Sport Selection Scheme

Procedure for entry to Great Baddow High School through the Sport Selection Scheme.

Parents of Year 6 students are invited to apply for a place for their child in readiness for September 2027.
For the Year 2027/2028, up to 10% of Year 7 students will be selected for places at Great Baddow High School on the basis of aptitude for sport, after the admission of all qualifying applications in criterion 1-3 of our admissions policy on our school website.

The selection process will take place following the practical activities day at Great Baddow High School. Students will be assessed on their athletics ability in running, jumping, and throwing and ability at one chosen sport from a pre-determined list, which includes:

• Basketball.
• Dance (you must provide music and have a pre-prepared dance routine to perform - approximately 90 seconds).
• Football Outfield player.
• Football Goal Keeper.
• Gymnastics (students will be required to demonstrate floor and basic vault skills. If they wish to demonstrate a floor routine, they will be required to provide their own music for approximately 90 seconds).
• Netball.
• Swimming (students must be able to swim lengths and be confident in deep water).

The practical assessment day will take place on Saturday 3rd October 2026. The assessment day will be conducted by the staff in the PE department.  
Notification of selection will be announced by the Local Education Authority on National Offer Day, 1st March 2027. The successful candidates will be introduced to a range of sports at Great Baddow High School and a strong commitment to school sport is essential.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

It is essential that you complete the Secondary School Application Form provided by the Essex Education Authority stating the order of preference you want for your child. 

If you put your catchment school down as first choice and Great Baddow High School as your second choice, then you could be given a place at your catchment school and not Great Baddow even though you may have gained entry through the sport selection scheme.

The applicant’s result from the selection day will be communicated by email no later than Wednesday 7th October 2026 so that you have more information prior to making your choices (you will not know your rank position).

You must submit your application form to the Essex Education Authority by the deadline of 31st October 2026. Applications received after this date will be treated as late.

There is a link on our website for the Supplementary Information Form to complete and submit to Great Baddow High School by NO LATER THAN midday Friday 25th September 2026. Following submission of the form, further details regarding arrangements for the day will be emailed to the first named contact by Wednesday 30th September 2026. 

The selection day will take place on Saturday 3rd October 2026. The day will be split into two sessions and your child will be invited to attend one session. Your child must be available for the duration of  day as they could be allocated to either session. Attendance is compulsory for your child to be assessed accurately and fairly. There are no alternative dates.

If you have any questions please email sportselection@gbhs.co.uk.

Complete the Supplementary Information Form