Families with children due to start primary or secondary school for the first time next year (autumn 2027) can apply for their places now.
Applications for school places in Leicestershire can be made via our admissions pages
The closing date for applications for children moving from primary to secondary is October 31, while first-time primary applications and applications for transfers between infant and junior schools need to be in by January 15.
Cllr Charles Pugsley, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “If you have a child due to start primary or secondary school for the first time next year, now is the time to think about applying.
“We’ve put lots of information on our website to help you out.
“A key thing is making sure you apply before the closing date. 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.”
For further advice on preferred schools and information around open days, contact individual schools directly.
Allocated school places will be announced on national offer days – March 1, 2027 (secondary) and April 16, 2027 (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.
Hints and tips guide to applying for a school place in Leicestershire
- 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
- Make sure you know whether you live in a school’s catchment area by checking the school’s website or phoning them. This is often a key factor in getting a place
- Check out school transport eligibility when researching schools