Applying for a Place at The Derby High School
We’re delighted that you’re considering The Derby High School for your child’s secondary education.
If you live in Bury, you can apply online for a place at any Bury secondary school, including The Derby. If you live outside the Bury area, you must apply through your home local authority.
Applications for children starting secondary school in September 2026 open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 October 2025. Applying after this deadline can seriously reduce your chances of securing a place at your preferred school.
Apply online via the Bury Council website:
Secondary school admissions – Bury Council
Before You Apply
Before completing your application, we recommend you read the Transfer to Secondary School Information Guide 2026, available on the Bury Council website.
You will need:
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A valid email address
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Your child’s name, date of birth and home address
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Details of up to three school preferences
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Details of any brothers or sisters currently attending your chosen school
Applications usually take around 15 minutes to complete.
If you prefer, you can download a paper application form from the Bury Council website and email it to admissions@bury.gov.uk or return it to your child’s Bury primary school.
Important Dates for 2025–2026 Admissions
| Date | Event / Information |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2025 | Applications open |
| September – October 2025 | Secondary school open evenings |
| Thursday 9 October 2025 | The Derby High School Open Evening |
| 31 October 2025 | Applications deadline |
| 2 March 2026 | National Offer Day – allocation emails sent from 9am (letters posted to paper applicants) |
| 31 March 2026 | Appeal deadline |
| May – July 2026 | Appeal hearings take place |
Applications submitted after 31 October 2025 will not be considered until all on-time applications have been processed.
After You Receive Your Offer
If your child is offered a place at The Derby High School, please contact us to confirm acceptance:
- transitions@thederbyhighschool.co.uk
- 0161 764 1819
As part of our transition process, a member of our Transition Team will visit your child in their primary school to help them prepare for the move to secondary education.
We’ll also write to you with information about our Induction Day, Summer Transition events, and next steps.
Please check this page regularly for updates and any new information.
Further Information and Policies
You can find full details of Bury Council’s admissions policies and procedures on their website:
School Admissions – Bury Council
For transition information:
For information about:
School TransportOfsted Inspection Reports Our School Policies
