Applications are open for pupils due to start primary or secondary school for the first time in Leicestershire next year (autumn 2026).
Parents and carers can apply for places via the School Admissions page.
Applications for children moving from primary to secondary need to be made by October 31, while first-time primary applications and applications for transfers between infant and junior schools need to be in by January 15.
“We know lots of factors need to be considered when choosing a school, which is why we’ve put lots of information on our website to help guide you through the decision-making and application processes.
“Please do make sure you apply before the closing date because if you don’t, your application will be processed after those made on time. There’s no automatic entry for any of our schools.
“We’d suggest taking a look online, downloading our digital checklist and, when you’re ready, you can apply via our parent portal.”
Person:Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families
The county council has produced a ‘Hints and tips’ guide to applying for a school place:
- You can select up to five school preferences; it’s strongly recommended to include your catchment area school
- Choosing just one school will not increase your child’s chances of securing a place there. If you’re not offered a place at a preferred school, and don’t have other preferences on your list, you could be offered a school some distance away
- Make sure you’re happy with your order of preference(s)
- If you reopen your electronic application to check your application or to make changes to it, you must then click the resubmit button. If you don’t, your application will remain unsubmitted
- If you’re applying for an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) and you think your child might attend a special school, it is still important to fill out an application for a mainstream school place. This will ensure they will have a school place in the autumn
Parents and carers are also being urged to make sure they know whether they live in a school’s catchment area by checking their website or phoning the school. This is often a key factor in getting a place.
For further advice on preferred schools and information around open days, please contact individual schools directly.
Allocated school places will be announced on national offer days – March 2, 2026 (secondary) and April 16, 2026 (primary).
Applying online is the quickest and most secure way to apply for a school place. Anyone unable to apply online can call 0116 305 6684 and ask for additional support.