National Offer Day: What It Means for Families and What to Do Next

National Offer Day is one of those dates that creeps up on you as a parent - suddenly, that email or letter arrives, and you find out which secondary school your child has been offered. It’s a big moment, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, nerves, or even disappointment depending on the outcome. Let’s walk through what National Offer Day is all about, what it means for you, and how to navigate the next steps confidently and calmly.

What Is National Offer Day?

National Offer Day this year is on Monday 2^nd March and is the day when all local authorities in England issue secondary school place offers to families. It marks the end of the secondary school application process for Year 6 children, letting parents know which school their child has been allocated for Year 7. Local councils issue one offer - the highest‑ranked school on your list that can offer a place under its admissions criteria. Common criteria include distance, catchment areas, and sibling priority.

In most years, the majority of families do receive one of their preferred choices. For example, in a recent admissions round, 82.9% of pupils were offered their first-choice school and over 94% received one of their top three preferences.

What Happens After You Receive the Offer?

Your letter or email will explain what to do next. Typically, you’ll need to formally accept the place by a deadline - missing it may result in the place being withdrawn and offered to someone else.

Some councils automatically pass your acceptance to the school, while others ask you to confirm via their admissions portal. If the school is your first choice, this part is straightforward: celebrate, breathe, and wait for the welcome information that usually arrives in the summer term.

If You Didn’t Get Your First Choice

Not getting the school you hoped for can feel disheartening, but you do have options and many families go through this every year. Here’s what you can do:

1. Accept the offered place

Even if it's not your top choice, this guarantees your child has a school place in September while you explore other options. This is often recommended by councils and education advisors.

2. Join waiting lists

Your child is automatically added to waiting lists for any schools you ranked higher than the one you were offered. Movement happens more often than you’d think - families decline places or move, freeing up spots.

3. Make an appeal

You have the legal right to appeal any decision. Appeals are handled by an independent panel, and while only about 20% succeed, a strong case can make a difference.

4. Apply to other schools

If there are schools you didn’t initially list, you can still apply to them if they have spaces, which includes independent schools.

How to Choose the Best School for Your Child

Even if you did get your first choice, parents sometimes realise that their priorities have changed, or a different environment would be better for their child. If you’re still exploring options, focus on what matters most to your child’s wellbeing and development. Consider:

• Pastoral care - does the school feel supportive and nurturing? What help will your child receive transitioning from primary to secondary?
• Curriculum and subjects - especially if your child has strong interests or is developing a particular talent or ability. Ensure your child will be stretched and challenged by an engaging approach to learning.
• School culture - every school has a “feel” that isn’t shown in brochures. Are the pupils happy in school? Can you child try a taster day?
• Logistics - travel time, after-school clubs, and family routines. What wraparound support does the school provide?
• Talk to other parents - local insight can be incredibly valuable.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and the right school is the one where they will feel happy, supported, and able to thrive.

See for yourself

Lichfield Cathedral School has a small number of places available for pupils joining Year 7 in September 2026, so you’ll need to move quickly. Sign up below for the Open Morning on Wednesday 3^rd March or book a personal tour with our friendly Admissions team.