Before applying, it is important to think about how likely you are to get a place at your preferred schools. We encourage you to find out as much as you can about each school before making your choices. Our online directory provides information about Cambridgeshire secondary schools.
What's in the directory
The directory provides key information about each school. It includes admissions arrangements, catchment areas, contact details, and previous allocation.
Each school listing includes:
- Published Admission Number (PAN). This is the number of school places available in each year group.
- Oversubscription criteria, how places are allocated when there are more applications than places available.
- School contact details and a link to the school's website and social media account.
- Catchment area information shows whether your home address is within the school's catchment area.
- Supplementary Information Form (SIF), where required by the school.
- Links to the school's latest Ofsted report and performance information.
- Previous allocation information, shows how places were allocated in recent years.
Read our Next Steps booklet for details about the admissions process, key dates and how school places are allocated. It also explains what happens after you apply. The booklet is available on the Secondary school admissions - September 2026 page.
Before applying, check whether your home falls within a school's catchment area and how distance is measured. These factors can affect your chances of being offered a place.
Choosing your preferences
If you reside in Cambridgeshire, you can name up to three schools on your application. Use all three preferences where possible and list them in your genuine order of preference. Schools do not know where you ranked them.
If your child qualifies for more than one school, they will be offered the highest preference available. If none of your preferences can be offered, we will allocate the nearest school with vacancies within a reasonable distance.
Information for parents
Resources for families | Children's Commissioner for England
