How places are allocated

Information on how our school allocation process works

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Primary/middle – National Offer Day, 16 April 2026

We are pleased to confirm for reception applications over 95% of first preferences have been allocated for September 2026 and over 99% allocated one of the top three preferences.

For middle school applications, almost 99% have been allocated the first preference and for junior school applications over 99%.

You can view a summary of how places have been allocated at oversubscribed schools

Is your child starting school for the first time?

This is the start of a very exciting journey, and you have a vital role to play in getting the very best education for your child. Head over to Starting reception for lots of helpful information about preparing your child for starting school.

Your school place offer

You should have received your school place offer from your home local authority.

If you live in Staffordshire and applied online you will have received an email advising you of the school offered.

If you did not apply online, you will receive a letter in the post within 5 working days. If you have not received your letter by Friday 24 April, please email admissions@staffordshire.gov.uk

After you receive your offer

If you no longer require the place please email admissions@staffordshire.gov.uk and advise of the school your child will be attending.

All children who have been refused a place at a Staffordshire school will be automatically added to a waiting list which will be maintained until 31 December 2026 or the end of Year 2 if infant class size applies. You have a statutory right of appeal to an independent panel if your child has not been offered a place at one or more of your preferred schools. You can make a late application for any other school.

Please view a list of schools with places still available.

Key highlights from previous allocation year for September 2025 

  • Summary of how September 2024 and 2025 places were allocated at oversubscribed schools (please see above)
  • Reception – over 95% of first preferences allocated; over 99% one of the top three preferences allocated.
  • Junior – 99% of first preferences allocated
  • Middle – over 94% of first preferences allocated