Selecting the right secondary school matters
Applying to Hammersmith Academy
At Hammersmith Academy, we offer an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their best — academically, personally, and socially.
Each year, we welcome 140 new Year 7 students who are ready to begin their journey towards real world success in a school that combines academic excellence, exceptional opportunities, and a nurturing community.
Applying for Year 7 Entry
Applications for Year 7 must be made via your local authority’s eAdmissions online application system.
Hammersmith Academy is part of the Pan-London Admissions Scheme, which coordinates all secondary school applications across London.
We do not accept direct applications.
Applications open: 1st September when your child is in Year 6
Deadline: 31st October of Year 6
To apply, list Hammersmith Academy as one of your preferences.
Admissions Criteria
When Hammersmith Academy is listed as one of your preferences, your application will be considered in line with our published Admissions Criteria, which prioritises applications in the following order:
- Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
- Children of Academy Staff
- Distance from the Academy
- Siblings of Current Students
Please refer to our full Admissions Policy for detailed criteria, including how tie-breaks are applied.
Fair Banding
Hammersmith Academy is a non-selective, non-denominational state secondary school.
We believe that students of all abilities deserve access to a high-quality, challenging education with the support and expertise to achieve excellence.
To ensure a fair and balanced intake, all applicants — including Looked After Children — are invited to sit a Fair Banding Test.
This is not a pass/fail test. It simply helps us achieve a comprehensive, representative intake across all ability levels.
Applicants are automatically invited to take the test once Hammersmith Academy is listed on their eAdmissions application.
SEND Admissions
For students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), applications follow a separate process coordinated by your home local authority’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team.
Your local authority will consult with the Academy to ensure we can meet your child’s individual needs before a place is offered.
This process follows statutory guidance set out in the SEND Code of Practice.
If you have questions or would like to visit the Academy to discuss your child’s needs, please contact our SENCO, Ms Wajler, at senco@hammersmithacademy.org
National Offer Day
National Offer Day takes place each year on the first Monday in March, when families are notified of their child’s secondary school offer.
If your child is offered a place at Hammersmith Academy, you will receive full information about confirming your place, induction, and our comprehensive Year 6 to Year 7 transition programme — designed to ensure every student feels welcome, supported, and ready to thrive from day one.
Waiting List
If your child has not been offered a place at Hammersmith Academy, they will automatically be placed on our waiting list if we were ranked higher than the school offered.
If a higher preference school has been offered, please contact our Admissions Team to request that your child is added to our waiting list.
Places are allocated strictly in line with our Admissions Criteria.
In-Year Admissions (Years 7–11)
We also welcome in-year applications for students looking to join us outside the main Year 7 entry process.
In-year places are subject to availability, and applicants are placed on a waiting list if a space is not immediately available.
If you are interested in joining Hammersmith Academy mid-year, please contact the Admissions Team who can advise you.
Please include your child’s name, date of birth, and current school, along with the year group you are applying for.
Sixth Form Applications
To apply for a place in our Sixth Form, please visit our dedicated Sixth Form Admissions page for entry criteria, application deadlines, and subject options.
Why Apply to Hammersmith Academy?
Choosing Hammersmith Academy means choosing a school that:
- Provides academic challenge through specialist teaching and high expectations.
- Offers exceptional opportunities through cultural partnerships and enrichment.
- Fosters a supportive, inclusive community where students grow in confidence and character.
Our students leave as confident young adults — ready to take their place at top universities, on competitive apprenticeships, and in rewarding careers.
