Parents and carers can now apply for primary and secondary school places for September 2027, with families being encouraged to apply early and make a note of the relevant deadlines.
Applications can be made online through Wiltshire Council's school admissions service.
The national deadlines for applications are:
- Year 7 secondary school places: 31st October 2026
- Reception places: 15th January 2027
- Infant to junior (Year 3) transfers: 15th January 2027
Wiltshire Council is encouraging parents and carers to submit applications before the relevant deadline, as late applications are less likely to secure a place at one of their preferred schools.
Cllr 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.
"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."
Parents and carers can list up to three school preferences, in order of preference. The council says that naming second and third preferences does not reduce the chances of being offered a first-preference school.
Families are also advised to consider including their designated catchment school as one of their preferences and to check catchment area maps before applying.
Wiltshire residents applying for schools outside the county should still apply through Wiltshire Council. Families who live outside Wiltshire but want to apply for a Wiltshire school should apply through their home local authority.
The council has also provided the following advice for families applying for a school place:
- Apply online to receive immediate confirmation that the application has been received.
- Keep login details safe so the account can be accessed on National Offer Day.
- Applications should be completed by someone with parental responsibility for the child.
- Contact schools directly if further information is needed before applying.
When Will Families Find Out?
Families who apply online by the relevant national deadline will be notified of the outcome on the national offer dates.
For Year 7 secondary school places, offers will be made on 1st March 2027.
For Reception and infant-to-junior places, offers will be made on 16th April 2027.
The council says applications can still be submitted after the deadline, but late applications are less likely to secure a place at one of the family's preferred schools.
Families who require a paper application form can request one by contacting Wiltshire Council's Customer Services Team on 01225 713010.
Parents and carers can find further information about applying for a school place, including catchment area maps, through Wiltshire Council's school admissions service.