Admission to primary and middle schools

September 2026

You need to apply for September 2026:

• if your child's fifth birthday is between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027 for a place at first, infant or primary school

• if your child will be in year 2 at an infant school in September 2025 for a junior or primary school

• if you child will be in year 4 at a first school in September 2025 for a place at middle or primary school

See the timetable below for key dates in the process.

If you are moving to Staffordshire from abroad and have a child that requires a school place, please see the information on moving from overseas before making an application.

If you want to apply to change schools during the academic year, or your child is living in Staffordshire and does not currently have a school place, please view our information on in-year admissions.

Our online search and compare tool will help you find information about your nearest schools, including performance information, teacher/pupil ratios and much more. You may also find the information on choosing a school helpful.

For information on:

• middle school open evening/morning dates - for information on open days or evenings at first, infant, junior or primary schools please contact the schools directly.

• Infant class size guidance - further information on the legislation which limits an infant class (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) to 30 pupils

• how school places were allocated for September 2023, 2024 and 2025 entry

• learning options and careers

• frequently asked questions

• nursery admissions

Timeline

Please see the timeline below which includes important points to consider prior to making your application.

Making an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online. 

You must apply through the local authority where your child lives not where your preferred schools are located. 

What if I can't apply online or have a problem? 

You can: 

• call us on 0300 111 8007 and select the option for 'School Admissions and Transport' 

• email admissions@staffordshire.gov.uk so we can help you. 

As a last resort, you can complete the paper application form but it really is better to apply online. 

Please note: Application forms sent by post or via email will not receive an acknowledgement of receipt and you will not receive your school place offer by email on 16 April 2026.   

You can then either:

• Email the form to admissions@staffordshire.gov.uk
• Or print out the form and post it to: