Applying to Year 7 

We are delighted that you are considering joining our Academy.

Harris Academy South Norwood admits up to 180 students each September. Applications for places will be made in accordance with local authority admission arrangements and will be made on the Common Application Form provided and administered by the local authority. As we are located near the edge of Croydon, we receive applications from children across this part of South East London.

The academy will work according to the common admissions timetable agreed upon by Croydon Council. Admissions for Year 7 must be made via the common application form process only, and not directly to Harris Academy South Norwood, although our admission team are happy to advise families considering applying (see links at the bottom of this page).

Understanding the Admissions Process

Parents are strongly advised to read carefully the full Academy Admissions Policy 2027-2028 (see at the bottom of the page) and information and advice from the local authority.

The main points to remember are:

• You must submit an application form to your Local Education Authority if applying online by 31st October 2026 (for September 2027 entry). A place at any secondary school can only be offered if an application has been received. Click here to find out more.
• Think carefully about the order in which you place your chosen schools on the form. You should enter your most preferred school first on the list. Please remember to enter the full name of Harris Academy South Norwood. There are several different Harris Academies and an entry of simply “Harris Academy” will not count.
• You will be invited to the Harris Federation banding test: this is a non-verbal reasoning test and ensures places are offered to all bands of ability. This is not an entrance exam.
• Be sure to include at least 3 different schools on your preference form.

In March, the local authority will notify you of the school where your child has been offered a place. If you are happy with the offer, you MUST ACCEPT this place by returning the acceptance form to Admissions at the Academy.

If you are unhappy that you did not receive an offer of a school place at Harris Academy South Norwood, you have the right to lodge an independent appeal with us.

Parents/carers wishing to appeal against the Academy’s decision on admissions, should complete an Appeal Form stating the reason for the appeal based on the published admissions criteria. Appeal Forms are available from the Academy Admissions Manager, Ms S Hall, by emailing: Admissions@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk

Admissions Test - Secondary Phase

Where parents/carers name Harris Academy South Norwood on the Common Application Form, their child/ward will be invited to sit our Harris admissions banding test. This is not an entrance exam, and your child does not need to pass the test in order to be admitted - it is a banding test and helps the school ensure a truly comprehensive intake of students.

We will write to all parents/carers with the exact time in advance of the testing day.

If you have named more than one Harris Academy on the Common Application Form your child/ward will only need to sit the test ONCE and will be notified as to which academy will contact you with details of your child's/ward's appointment. For September 2027 entries the testing date is Friday 11th December 2026.

Supplementary Information Form

If you require a concession in the admission test (for example for SEN or medical needs), you must complete the supplementary information form which can be downloaded from the bottom of the page and return it directly to the academy along with medical or professional evidence and proof of residence by the agreed date (to be confirmed). Please note that completion of a supplementary information form for Harris Academy South Norwood does not constitute an application to the academy. You must complete the Local Authority Common Application Form as well.