Applications open to Nottinghamshire parents for reception and year three school places for September 2026

Parents in Nottinghamshire can now apply for their child’s reception place or transfer to junior school.

Applications are open until Thursday, January 15, for parents to submit on-time applications for school places if their child turns five between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, or they have a child in year two in an infant school.

Nottinghamshire County Council encourages parents to research their preferred schools, and whether their child would have a good chance of being offered a place at one of their preferred schools, before submitting their applications.

Hana John, cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), said: “Starting school is a big milestone for a child, and I would encourage parents and carers to research their preferred schools before applying.

“I would also encourage you to use all four preferences and submit the application on time, as that is the best way to give your child a chance at being offered a school that you would be happy for them to attend.”

In the last primary school admission round, nearly 96% of children were offered a reception place at their parents’ first preference school, and for the best chance of this, parents are advised to list four schools —including schools where their children would meet the higher criteria for admission.

The easiest way to apply for a place is online via: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions.

Those who apply online will receive email confirmation that the application has been received. Those who apply online will also be able to log in to their account on National Offer Day — Thursday, April 16, 2026, to view the outcome of their application — while other applications will be sent a letter by second class post on National Offer Day.

There is no guarantee that a child who attends a school’s nursery will get a place in reception at that same school so parents must apply for a place.

If a child is in year two at an infant school, there is no automatic transfer to year three at junior or primary school.

Parents of children who live in the county should apply through Nottinghamshire County Council, even if they wish to apply for schools in other local authority areas. A full guide to admissions is available on the county council’s website.

Applications received after the closing date are considered as late applications and will be processed once all on-time applications have been offered.