Parents and carers in Cornwall can now apply for school places if their children are starting primary school or moving up to secondary school in September 2026.
If your child was born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, you need to apply for a reception place and for parents and carers of children currently in Year 6 you need to apply for your preferred secondary schools.
The deadlines for applications are:
- Secondary school - October 31, 2025.
- Reception classes - January 15, 2026.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet member for children, families and schools, said:
“Securing the right school place for your child is an important step for all parents and carers. This is why it’s crucial to get the right information early on and submit your application before the deadline.
“It can also help to consider more than one option, whether you’re applying for your child’s first school place or making the move from primary to secondary.
“There is lots of support and guidance available through the School Admissions Team, and many are holding open days where you can find out first-hand what they have to offer.”
Parents and carers are urged to apply before the deadline to ensure they have the best chance of being allocated a preferred school.
Missing the application deadline can increase the risk of not being allocated a preferred school as late applications will be processed following those that have been submitted on time.
Parents or carers are responsible for getting their child to and from school but some children may be entitled to support. Find out more on the Council’s home-to-school and post-16 travel pages. We urge parents to check their eligibility and apply for home to school travel assistance at the earliest opportunity to ensure that transport is in place at the start of the term.
If parents or carers are not sure whether their child would be eligible for home to school travel assistance they can contact the Transport Coordination Service (TCS) before naming their preferred schools via studenttravel@cornwall.gov.uk
If your child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) you do not need to fill out an application. For further information about transitions for children and young people with an EHC plan, please visit Cornwall Council's website and scroll down to the 'Phase Transfer' section. You can also email the Statutory SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) Service on ehcreviews@cornwall.gov.uk or if you would like to speak to someone you can call the SEND System Navigators on 01872 324242.
More information on school admissions is available in the Council’s website.