A Friendly Guide to Secondary School Open Days & Applications: Kate Hill, Greater London Properties
With so many dates and deadlines to keep track of, it can all feel a little overwhelming – so we’ve gathered everything you need in one handy guide.
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest milestones for families in South London. Whether you’re considering independent or state schools, open days are the perfect way to explore options, ask questions, and get a feel for the community your child might soon join.
With so many dates and deadlines to keep track of, it can all feel a little overwhelming – so we’ve gathered everything you need in one handy guide.
Independent Schools
Independent schools across Dulwich, Herne Hill and the surrounding areas are rolling out the welcome mat this September and October.
St Dunstan’s College in Catford holds its Open Day on Saturday 20th September 2025. Families should note the registration deadline of 24th November, with entrance assessments beginning in December and scholarship opportunities throughout January. Offers will be sent out on 13th February 2026, with places to be accepted by 4th March.
Alleyn’s School has a wonderful series of events planned, starting with an 11+ Open Afternoon on Wednesday 17th September, followed by a Taster Afternoon on 26th September and a full Open Morning on 27th September. Budding musicians may enjoy the Music Department Open Day on 15th October. Registration closes on 7th November, with entrance exams on 9th January 2026.
Royal Russell welcomes families to a Whole School Open Morning on 27th September. Applications, scholarship and bursary forms are all due by 31st October, and entrance assessments follow in early January. Offers are made on 13th February 2026.
Emanuel School is also opening its doors with an Open Day on 13th September and an Open Morning for Years 6 & 7 on 2nd October. Registration closes on 17th October, with entrance exams on 28th November and interviews in January. Results will be shared in mid-February.
Other highlights include Eltham College’s Open Day on 13th September, with applications due by 10th November, and Dulwich College’s Open Morning on 4th October, with its application deadline on 27th October and exams in December.
Streatham & Clapham High School welcomes families on 27th September, while Sydenham High hosts its Open Morning on 20th September.
And for those looking at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), there are open mornings throughout September and October, with applications due by the end of the month.
State Schools
South London’s state schools also offer excellent opportunities, and most require the Common Application Form (CAF) to be submitted by 31st October 2025. Some schools additionally require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), particularly where aptitude tests or scholarships are offered.
In Wandsworth, the admissions test is scheduled for late September, with results available by 24th October. Graveney School is holding its Open Morning on 16th October, while Burntwood School has events on 17th, 23rd September, and 2nd October. Chestnut Grove Academy has multiple open events in September and October, with specialist aptitude tests in Art and Languages on 20th September.
Ashcroft Technology College is hosting open mornings from 17th–19th September, with a SIF deadline of 29th September and tests in mid-October.
St Cecilia’s CofE School is running open events on 18th September and early October, with music assessments scheduled for 16th and 22nd October.
In Lambeth, Dunraven School offers several open events across September, with its banding test on 15th November. Elm Green School has open events running from 9th September to 13th October.
The Norwood School is particularly popular for its arts bursaries; applications close on 10th October, with auditions on 18th October and further assessment days in November.
Closer to home, The Charter School North Dulwich holds its Open Day on 24th September, while The Charter School East Dulwich follows on 25th September.
Kingsdale Foundation School has perhaps the widest programme, with open events from 17th September through to 11th October and scholarship assessments for music and sport spread across September and October.
Final Thoughts
The sheer number of dates and deadlines may feel daunting, but attending open days is the best way to discover which school feels right for your child. Take time to walk the corridors, meet the teachers, and imagine your son or daughter thriving there.
At Greater London Properties, we know how important these choices are for families. We hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and confident as you begin this exciting journey.
And remember – we’re always here if you’d like to chat about schools, family life, or the local community in Dulwich, Herne Hill and beyond.
Good luck with your applications – and enjoy the adventure ahead!
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Warm Regards
Greater London Properties
Founders of GLP & The Support Our Schools Initiative
Dulwich Branch: 📞 +44 207 292 2550
Email: dulwich@glp.co.uk
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