Applications for secondary school places in Cardiff for September 2025 have opened, with Cardiff Council providing advice on increasing chances of securing a spot at a preferred school. Hundreds of children were unable to get into their desired secondary school in the city for the current academic year. In the most recent round, six maintained secondary schools had more applications than available places, with three having to reject applications from within their catchment areas.
Out of a total of 467 children who did not get into their preferred school initially, Cardiff High was the most oversubscribed school, turning away more than half of the applicants. The application deadline for September 2025 places is November 18, 2024. Cardiff Council emphasises the importance of applying on time and providing five school preferences to increase the likelihood of securing a spot at one of the preferred schools.
The council’s coordinated admissions system simplifies the process by allowing applicants to state their preferred schools on one application. This system prevents parents from receiving multiple offers, ensuring a fairer and less stressful way of applying for school places. Cardiff Council also highlights the availability of Welsh-medium education for all, regardless of the language spoken at home.
The city’s Welsh Immersion Unit has successfully supported over 400 children with no previous Welsh language to become fluent and transfer into Welsh-medium schools. Data from Cardiff Council revealed the most challenging schools to get into for the previous academic year. Cardiff High, Fitzalan High, Llanishen High, Radyr Comprehensive, Ysgol Glantaf, and Cathays High were all highly oversubscribed.
For the 2024-25 academic year, 98.7% of children who applied for a community secondary school place secured one of their top three preferences, with 88% getting their first preference. Cardiff Council has provided guidance and advice to help families navigate the application process, with resources available on their website and at council hubs across the city.