Primary school admissions

Primary school admission 2026

If you have a child born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 you can apply now to start school September 2026. Apply via the early years and school admissions portal.

It might be helpful to think about the following:

looking at school websites, see if they have an open evening and try to visit the school, look up information on the Department for Education website
looking at the primary school admissions booklet for guidance
using your postcode to find your catchment school
submitting an application to the Council expressing your preferences.
applying between 14 September 2025 and 15 January 2026 - apply to Southend-on-Sea City Council if you pay council tax to Southend City.
looking out for your offer on the National Offer Day: 16 April 2026

For children currently undergoing an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment and awaiting a decision for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) we strongly recommend that parents continue to apply for school placements. If an EHCP is agreed upon, it will not affect the final decision regarding the child's placement. However, if parents do not apply on time, and the EHCP is delayed or not agreed upon, it may reduce their ability to choose their preferred school.

For children that already have an EHCP the process would be guided by the EHC Needs Assessment process.

Junior School transfer - year 3 September 2026

Applications for junior schools can be made between 14 September and 15 January 2026 and will receive the outcome on National Offer Day: 16 April 2026
All other applications for primary schools will be advised to apply via in year processes.