Primary school applications are now open for September 2026
It’s time to start thinking about primary school applications for September 2026(Image: Getty Images)
It’s not long since schools have reopened from the summer holidays and yet it’s already time to start thinking about applying for your child’s place in reception.
Anyone with a child due to start primary school in September 2026 needs to start thinking about their application now.
Birmingham City Council opened its application process yesterday (October 1) and parents are encouraged to get their forms in sooner rather than later, especially as they can be edited and changed right up until the deadline date.
Read more: Full list of best Birmingham primary schools as applications open for 2026
Read next: The three questions all parents should ask when choosing child’s school according to a headteacher
When is the deadline for Birmingham primary school applications
Applications are open from October 1, 2025 until January 15, 2026.
Any forms received after the deadline date will only be considered after applications received on time have been processed, according to Birmingham City Council.
It means late applications won’t be processed until after April 16, 2026 and could seriously limit your chances of getting your chosen school.
Listen to our Brummie Mummies Podcast on how to get your child ‘school ready’:
How to apply to primary schools in Birmingham
Parents are asked to list three different primary schools in order of preference.
If you have another child at your preferred school, you should include details of this in the box provided for sibling details.
Don’t be tempted to put this in an alternative box instead (such as reasons for preference) as it will not be counted and may prevent you getting the place you want.
Another tip is to read the admission arrangements in full for your chosen school or schools. This way, you’ll be able to see how likely it is that your child will be offered a place there.
It is vital you put at least one ‘realistic preference’ on your form.
Find out more and fill in the application form via the Birmingham City Council website.
If your child has an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP), visit the SENAR Local Offer website to find out more about your application.
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A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: “It is important that you include at least one realistic preference for a school that your child would have met the criteria for in previous years.
“If you have included preferences for any schools that require you to complete a supplementary information form or includes social and medical needs in the criteria and require you to send evidence, you must send the supplementary information form and/or any required supporting medical evidence directly to the school.
“Failure to do this may mean that your child’s application is assessed by the school under a lower criterion, and they may not be offered a place.
“If you fill in the online application incorrectly, you are liable for not completing the form correctly, not School Admissions and Fair Access Service.”