Wiltshire parents and carers are being reminded that there is just over a month left to apply for primary school places for children due to start school in September 2026.
The deadline for applications is 15th January 2026, with families encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximise their chances of securing a place at their preferred school.
Applications can be made online via Wiltshire Council’s school admissions portal or by completing a paper form, available from the council’s Customer Services Team on 01225 713010.
Families who apply before the deadline will receive their school place offers on National Offer Day, 16th April 2026. Those who apply online will be notified by email, while applicants using paper forms will receive a letter posted on the same day.
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said starting primary school was “an important milestone” for children and families.
“We want to make this transition as smooth as possible,” he said. “Submitting your application on time gives your child the best chance of securing a place at your preferred school.”
Parents can list up to three preferred schools on their application, in order of preference. The council has stressed that naming additional preferences does not reduce the chance of being offered a first-choice school, and that repeating the same school in multiple preference boxes does not improve the likelihood of success.
Wiltshire Council is also advising families to check catchment area maps and consider naming their designated school, although an offer cannot be guaranteed even for those living within a school’s catchment area.
Residents applying for schools outside Wiltshire must still submit their application to Wiltshire Council, while families living outside the county who wish to apply for a Wiltshire school must apply through their own local authority, except in the case of children of UK Service Personnel.
Late applications can still be made after the January deadline, but the council warns that these are less likely to secure a place at one of the applicant’s preferred schools.
More information, including guidance documents and catchment maps, is available on Wiltshire Council’s website.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
