Parents and carers with children due to start primary or secondary school for the first time in Leicestershire next year (autumn 2025) can apply for their places from September 1.
Applications for children moving from primary to secondary need to be made by October 31, while first-time primary applications and applications for transfers between infant and junior schools need to be in by January 15.
Applications for 2025/26 can be made at leicestershire.gov.uk/admissions where there is also information about county schools and hints and tips on applying.
Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We know that choosing the right school is very important, which is why we have included lots of information about the process and details about county schools on our website.
“From this year, you will be able to select up to five school preferences. We recommend you apply for at least three, including one in your catchment area, to give yourself the best chance of securing a place for your child at a local school.
“There is no automatic entry for any school, so it is very important for applications to be made before the closing dates.”
The county council has produced a ‘Hints and tips’ guide to applying for a school place:
- Select at least three schools, including one in your catchment area. You can select a maximum of five schools
- Choosing just one school will not increase your child’s chances of securing a place there. If you’re not offered a place at your chosen school, and don’t have other preferences on your list, you could be offered a school some distance away
- Make sure you’re happy with your order of preference
- If you’re applying for an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) and you think your child might attend a specialist school, it is still important to fill out an application for a mainstream school place. This will ensure they will have a school place in the autumn
Parents and carers are also being urged to make sure they know whether they live in a school’s catchment area by checking their website or phoning the school. This is often a key factor in getting a place.
For further advice on preferred schools and information around open days, please contact individual schools directly.
Allocated school places will be announced on national offer days – March 1 2025 (secondary) and April 16 2025 (primary).
Applying online is the quickest and most secure way to apply for a school place. Anyone unable to apply online can call 0116 305 6684 and ask for a form to be sent out.