Applying for a secondary school place in Coventry can feel overwhelming. It’s an important decision, and there’s a lot of information to digest. This guide is designed to make the process a little less stressful. We’ll walk you through how to apply, what to look out for, and give a handy breakdown of secondary schools in Coventry by postcode area. Think of it as your one-stop guide for planning your child’s next big step in education. 

Secondary Schools in Coventry

How to Apply for a Secondary School Place in Coventry

Start Early

It helps to begin thinking about secondary schools in Year 5 or at the very start of Year 6. This gives you plenty of time to explore your options, understand deadlines, and make informed choices.

Know the Application Timeline

Coventry City Council publishes the annual application dates, including when applications open and close. National Offer Day, when you find out where your child has been offered a place, is usually in March. 

Research and Visit

Numbers, exam results, and Ofsted reports are important, but getting a feel for the school is key. Attend open days, ask questions, and if you can, chat to other parents and students.

Check Catchment Areas and Priority Rules

Some schools have defined catchment areas and these can affect the chances of getting a place. Other schools, like academies, faith, or free schools, may have additional criteria such as siblings, faith, or distance. Make sure you understand any supplementary information forms (SIFs) that need to be submitted. 

Decide on Your Choices 

You’ll normally list schools in order of preference. Consider having a mix of “reach” schools and safer options, and always double-check if any extra forms are required.

Submit the Application

Applications go through Coventry City Council’s online admissions portal. Make sure you submit all necessary forms before the deadline. 

After Applications Close

The Council allocates places according to its coordinated admissions scheme. You’ll receive your offer on National Offer Day. If your preferred school is full, you’ll be offered a place at another school with space.

Right to Appeal / Waiting Lists

If your child doesn’t get a place at their first-choice school, you have the right to appeal. Waiting lists can also be helpful, as spaces sometimes open up if other families move or decline offers.

In-Year Transfers

If you move house or want to change schools after Year 7, Coventry City Council provides guidance for in-year applications. Find the council’s guidance here.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Secondary School

Travel & Transport: How will your child get there? Is there a bus, cycle path, or safe walking route?

Pastoral Care & Behaviour: Look at policies on bullying, wellbeing support, inclusion, and SEND provision.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Sports, music, arts, clubs—they’re important for social and personal development.

Specialisms & Subject Options: Check if the school has strengths in particular areas like STEM, languages, or arts. Also, review GCSE or equivalent options.

Size of School: Larger schools may offer more subjects, but smaller schools may feel more personal.

Admissions Criteria: Catchment, sibling links, faith affiliation, and distance all affect the chances of getting a place.

Visit Before Decision: Attend tours, open evenings, and talk to staff, pupils, and other parents. It gives a real sense of the environment.

Backup Options: Always have alternatives if your top choices are full.

Secondary Schools in Coventry by Postcode Areas

Here’s a breakdown of the secondary schools in Coventry sorted by postcode areas. Some postcodes span large areas so this is approximate - always check the Coventry City Council – Catchment Areas page for the latest information.

Secondary Schools in CV1

• Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College, Terry Road, CV1 2BA
• Barr’s Hill School and Community College, Radford Road, CV1 4BU 
• Eden Girls’ School Coventry, CV1 4FS 
• Sidney Stringer Academy, 2 Primrose Hill Street, CV1 5LY

Secondary Schools in CV2

• Caludon Castle School, Axholme Road, Wyken, CV2 5BD 
• Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, Potters Green Road, CV2 2AJ 
• Lyng Hall School, Blackberry Lane, CV2 3JS 
• Grace Academy Coventry, CV2 2RH 
• Stoke Park School, CV2 4JW 
• SEVA School, Walsgrave Triangle, CV2 2TB 

Secondary Schools in CV3

• Finham Park School, Green Lane, Finham, CV3 6EA
• Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Princethorpe Way, CV3 2QD
• Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, Leasowes Avenue, CV3 6BH
• Meadow Park School, CV3 4BD

Secondary Schools in CV4

• West Coventry Academy: Mitchell Avenue, Coventry, CV4 8DY
• Finham Park 2, Tile Hill, CV4 9WT
• WMG Academy for Young Engineers: Mitchell Avenue, Coventry, CV4 8DY

Secondary Schools in CV6

• Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Keresley, CV6 2FR 
• Foxford Community School, Longford, CV6 6BB 
• President Kennedy School Academy, CV6 4GL
• Coundon Court, CV6 (Coundon)

Secondary Schools in CV7

• Ash Green School, CV7 9AH 
• Exhall Grange Specialist School, CV7 9HP
• The Heart of England School, CV7 7FW

Secondary Schools in CV8

• Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, Kenilworth, CV8 2AL

Useful Links

• Coventry City Council – Secondary School Admissions page
• Coventry City Council – Catchment Areas (find which schools cover your street)
• Coventry Education Services Portal (for submitting applications)
• GOV.UK page for applying for secondary places 

Final Thoughts

Choosing a secondary school is a big step for both you and your child. Start early, gather all the information, and visit schools to get a real feel for them. With a little planning and research, you can find the school that’s the right fit - academically, socially, and personally for your child.

Remember: there’s support available, and the process doesn’t have to be stressful. You’ve got this!