Primary school admissions for September 2026

Applications for pupils starting in reception in September 2026 opened today (1 October) and should be made online where possible. The online application process is quick, simple, safe, secure and ensures the fastest response time.

Parents can express up to five school preferences on the application form including schools outside the Dudley Local Authority. Parents are encouraged to use all the five preferences and must complete an application form in order to ensure a place.

Applications should be made online by midnight on 15 January 2026. Paper submissions must be with the school admission’s team by 5pm on 15 January 2026.

Decision emails will be sent to parents after 2pm on 16 April 2026, decision letters for people who made a paper applications will be sent out by 2^nd class post on 16 April 2026.  Any appeals will be heard in June/July 2026.

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people said:

“The online application process is really quick and simple and allows parents to select up to five schools for their child. We recommend parents to take advantage of this and use all five preferences.

“The easiest way to submit an application is online as it’s safe, secure and parents can be certain it has been received as we confirm every application via email. It also means they’ll hear the outcome more quickly as we issue all email decisions on the afternoon of 16 April 2026.”

Full details of how to apply and a link to the portal can be found on the Dudley Council website

https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/learning-and-school/school-information/school-admissions/

For those parents who have no internet access, a paper form can be requested by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. Parents returning a paper form are advised to return the form by recorded delivery to ensure it is definitely received.

Applications for secondary school places are still open and close on 31 October. Full details are on the council’s admission pages.