Primary and secondary school place applications are now open. Picture: Adobe Stock

Wiltshire primary and secondary school place applications now open

Jamie JonesSeptember 2, 20260 Comment0

WHILE next September may seem a way off, parents and carers are being urged to apply for school places now to avoid missing important deadlines.

Primary and secondary school place applications are now open, with Wiltshire Council saying it is “time to apply”.

Applications can be made online through the council’s ‘apply for a school place’ online service.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Next September may seem a long way off, but I’d encourage parents and carers to apply for their child’s school place now so they can tick an important item off their list and plan ahead.”

All online applicants who applied by the national deadline date will receive notification of the outcome on the national offer dates, with reception, infants and primary on April 16, 2027 and Year 7 Secondary on March 1, 2027.

The national deadline dates for submitting applications are:

- Reception 2027 entry – January 15, 2027
- Infant to junior transfer (year 3) 2027 entry – January 15, 2027
- Year 7 secondary 2027 – October 31, 2026

Cllr Hubbard added: “Starting school, or moving from primary to secondary school, is a significant milestone for children and their families. We want to make sure that transition is as smooth as possible, so we encourage everyone with a child due to start or change school in September 2027 to submit their application as early as they can.

“The deadline for secondary school applications is 31 October 2026, while applications for Reception and infant to junior transfers must be submitted by 15 January 2027. Applying on time gives your child the best chance of securing a place at one of your preferred schools.”

Primary and secondary school place applications

To help families through the application process, Wiltshire Council has shared some advice:

Apply online for immediate confirmation that your application has been received.
Keep your login details safe so you can easily access your account on National Offer Day.
Ensure the application is completed by someone with parental responsibility for the child.
You can list up to three school preferences in order of preference.
Naming second and third preferences does not reduce your chances of being offered your first preference school.
Wiltshire residents applying for schools outside the county should still apply through Wiltshire Council.
Families living outside Wiltshire who wish to apply for a Wiltshire school should apply through their home local authority.
Contact schools directly if you would like more information before applying.
Consider including your designated catchment school as one of your preferences.
Check catchment area maps to identify your designated school.

Wiltshire Council reminded families that while late applications can still be submitted after the deadline, they are less likely to secure a place at one of their preferred schools.

Families can request a paper application form by contacting Wiltshire Council’s Customer Services Team on 01225 713010.