FAMILIES are being reminded that there is just over a month left to apply for primary school places for children starting school in September 2026.

Applications can be submitted online until the national deadline date of January 15 for both primary schools and infant to junior transfers.

Parents and carers can also submit paper applications which can be obtained from Wiltshire Council’s customer services team on 01225 713010.

The National Offer Day for primary and junior school is April 16.

Online applicants will be sent an email on National Offer Day confirming the outcome, while those applying using the paper form will be sent a letter.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Jon Hubbard said: “Starting primary school is an important milestone for every child and family, marking the beginning of their educational journey.

“We want to make this transition as smooth as possible, so we encourage all families with children due to start school in September 2026 to submit their applications as soon as they can.

“The deadline is 15 January, and applying on time gives your child the best chance of securing a place at your preferred school.”

As families look ahead, the council has put together its top 10 things to consider when applying:

1. Apply online to receive immediate email confirmation that an application has been received.
2. Keep login details in a safe place.
3. The person completing the application must have parental responsibility for the child.
4. Families can apply for up to three schools and these should be put in order of preference.
5. Naming additional preferences will not reduce the chance of securing a place at the first preference school. Repeating the first preference school in the second and third boxes on the application does not improve a child’s chance of securing a place.
6. Residents living in Wiltshire who want to apply for a school place outside the county must still make an application to Wiltshire Council which will pass it to the relevant local authority.
7. Those who do not live in Wiltshire and want to apply for a school in the county must make an application to their own local authority.
8. Contact each school directly to find out more information about them.
9. Those who live in the school’s designated area are recommended to name the school as a preference.
10. Catchment area maps can be found online.

The council said people can make a late application online if the deadline has passed however, it is less likely they will secure a place at one of their preferred schools.

For more information visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online