Secondary School Admissions: What Tooting Parents Should Know

Applying for secondary school can feel big and a bit overwhelming, especially in Tooting, where different schools use different rules and tests.

This guide is designed to give you the essentials:

• Key dates

• How admissions work in Wandsworth

• What the Wandsworth Test is

• When to start preparing so your child can approach the move to secondary with confidence.

When do I need to apply?

If your child is starting secondary school in September 2026, the most important date to remember is:

• 31 October 2025 – final deadline to submit your application

You apply online via the Pan London eAdmissions portal, and you can list up to six schools in order of preference. Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on the deadline day.

The system will always try to offer you the highest-ranked school on your list where your child meets the criteria, so it’s best to rank schools honestly rather than trying to second guess how the system works.

How do admissions criteria work in Tooting?

Tooting sits within Wandsworth Borough, and each secondary school sets its own admissions policy. This is one of the reasons things can feel confusing: schools don’t all work in the same way.

Depending on the school, the policy might:

• Prioritise children who live closest to the school

• Give extra priority to siblings of current pupils

• Include faith criteria (for faith schools)

• Use ability banding or selective testing as part of the process

This is often the point where families begin to feel unsure, especially when testing or banding is involved. The best way to avoid surprises later is to read each school’s admissions policy on their website before you add it to your list.

It’s not the most exciting reading, but half an hour now can prevent a lot of stress in Year 6.

What is the Wandsworth Year 6 Test?

Several local schools – including Graveney School, Burntwood School, Ashcroft Technology Academy and Chestnut Grove Academy – use the Wandsworth Year 6 Test as part of their admissions process.

A few key points to know:

• The test is written and marked by GL Assessment

• Parents must register their child directly for the test – it isn’t automatic

• It assesses Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning

• These skills are not heavily emphasised in the normal primary curriculum

Because of this, the process can feel like it suddenly “arrives” in Year 6. In reality, the skills tested build up over time, so a gentle, steady approach works much better than last-minute cramming.

When should preparation start?

Preparation doesn’t have to mean piles of practice papers at the kitchen table. Think of it as building strong foundations gradually, rather than adding pressure.

Year 4 – light and gentleA great time to quietly strengthen core skills:

• Regular reading to build fluency and vocabulary

• Securing the basics in maths (number sense, times tables, mental arithmetic)

• Introducing simple reasoning puzzles and games for fun

Year 5 – more structuredHere, preparation can become a little more focused:

• Working through Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning questions at a steady pace

• Getting used to timed exercises without making it stressful

• Identifying any gaps so they can be calmly filled

Year 6 – technique, not panic

By this stage, the emphasis should shift away from learning huge amounts of new content:

• Practising exam technique and timing

• Building stamina for longer papers

• Helping your child stay calm, positive and confident on the day

The aim at every stage is a child who feels prepared, not pressured.

What happens after you apply?

Once you’ve submitted your application by 31 October:

• You’ll receive your school offer on National Offer Day (usually 1 March)

• If you don’t get your first choice, you may be placed on waiting lists for higher-ranked schools

• There is an appeals process if you feel there’s a strong reason to challenge the decision

The official Wandsworth Council admissions pages are the best place to check exact dates, processes and any updates each year.

Keeping the process calm for your family

The secondary school journey doesn’t have to feel chaotic.

Most families find things feel much calmer once they:

• Note down all the key dates (test registration, test date, 31 October deadline, Offer Day)

• Read the admissions criteria for each school they’re considering

• Understand what the Wandsworth Test involves and how they’ll approach preparation

A little planning – and clear, honest conversations – goes a long way towards keeping the pressure down and your child’s confidence up.

At Brilliant Beans, we support families across Tooting, Balham, Norbury and Streatham with structured 11+ and Wandsworth Test preparation that focuses on strong foundations and self-belief rather than stress.

If you’d like to talk through your child’s next steps, we’re always happy to chat things through.