Parents of children attending an NCEA Trust primary school

Children in Year 6 attending a primary school within Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust (NCEAT) no longer automatically progress into Year 7 at Duke’s Secondary School since September 2021.

As of the 12th September 2025, the online admissions portal is now open. To apply for your child’s place into Year 7 at Duke’s, please visit the online portal through Northumberland County Council’s website.

NCEA Trust primary schools within the catchment area for Duke’s Secondary School include:

  • Bishop’s Primary School
  • Grace Darling C of E Primary School
  • James Knott C of E Primary School
  • Thomas Bewick C of E Primary School
  • William Leech C of E Primary School

Parents/Carers who wish to apply for a place at Duke’s Secondary School for Year 7 in September 2026 should complete a Casual Admissions application via the Northumberland County Council website. The same rule applies to parents of children attending any other primary school, wishing to transfer to Duke’s Secondary School for September 2026.

Parents of children currently attending another secondary or high school who wish to transfer into Duke’s Secondary School mid-year

Parents/Carers who wish to apply for an in-year transfer to Duke’s Secondary School should complete a Casual Admissions application via the Northumberland County Council website.

Special Educational Needs

The admission of students with a statement of special educational needs is dealt with by a separate procedure. Students for whom a statement of special educational needs has been made in which Duke’s Secondary School is named will be admitted where the school can meet the needs of the child.

How to Apply

All applicants

Please be advised that completion of the online form does not guarantee a place at the school.

Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admission number, applications will be considered against the criteria as set out in the Academy’s Admissions Policy.

Supporting Documents

Please click on the links below to view and download the following documents:

Admissions Procedure

Duke’s Secondary School, an academy within NCEA Trust, follows Northumberland County Council admissions procedures for admission to the school.  The school complies with the School Admission Code issued by the Department for Education.

The Admissions Policy for Duke’s Secondary School can be found on our Policies portal.

Admissions Appeals

Admissions Appeals Guidance

Appeals for admissions to Secondary Year 7 (from Primary)

Appeals must be in writing and submitted within 25 school days of the date of notification that the application was unsuccessful. The Appeal Form can be accessed through Northumberland County Council school admissions website:

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/School-admissions-places-appeals-1.aspx>

Appeals will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or 30 school days of being lodged, whichever is the later date.

NB: Appeals will not start being heard until after the relevant closing date has passed

Appellants will be sent notification of their appeal hearing at least 10 clear school days in advance of the hearing. Appellants will be sent a copy of the school’s case 7 clear working days in advance of the hearing.

Appellants must ensure that any further evidence, not included with their initial appeal, is received by 5pm on the day notified in the letter with details of the hearing. Any additional evidence or information received after this date might not be considered at the appeal hearing.

In year entry appeals (admissions outside of the normal annual process)

Appeals resulting from in year admission applications being unsuccessful should be lodged within 14 days and will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.