Make your application
Common myths
"I'm only going to put one preference, so I will have to be offered it"
By listing only one preference, you may miss the opportunity to be considered for other schools you may have preferred. School places are allocated according to each school's admission arrangements. If your preferred school cannot be offered, a place will be allocated at another school with places available.
"If I put the same school down three times, it will improve my chances"
Listing the same school more than once does not increase your chances of being offered a place. The school will only be considered once as a single preference.
"If I don't get any of my preferences, I will be offered my catchment school"
If you want to be considered for your catchment school, you must include it as one of your preferences. If you are not offered any of your preferred schools and your catchment school is full, a place will be allocated at another school with places available.
"I don't have to apply because my child attends a feeder school/has an older sibling attending/lives in the catchment area"
You must apply even if your child attends a feeder school, has an older sibling at the school or you live in the catchment area. Children are not automatically allocated a secondary/high school place. You must apply to be considered for a place at one of your preferred school(s).
If no application is received, your child will be allocated a place at a school with available spaces. This may not be your catchment school, and transport assistance may not be provided.
Applications open on 1 September 2026.
You must apply through the local authority where your child lives and not where your preferred schools are located.
You can apply online. A link will be available when applications open.
What if I can’t apply online or have a problem?
As a last resort, you can apply by completing an application form and sending it to us:
- by email: admissions@staffordshire.gov.uk
- by post:
School Admissions and Transport Service
Staffordshire County Council
1 Staffordshire Place
Stafford
ST16 2LP
Applications forms will be available from 01 September 2026.
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 01 March 2027.
Applications for JCB Academy
JCB Academy requires applicants to take a fair banding assessment as part of the application process. The academy will publish application information on their website in September.
Applications for JCB Academy close on 31 January 2027. You can apply online or complete the paper application form.
Universal technical college applications
Please see the UTC page for further information on how to apply.
