It is very important that your application is submitted in time for it to be received by the Council on or before the closing date.

Applications are not treated on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, and all applications received during the application period will be treated equally as 'on-time' applications. Any application submitted after 15 January 2026 will be treated as late unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Applications received after 15 January 2026 but before 9 February 2026 may be treated as on time if there is a good reason for lateness, for example, if family or other circumstances made it impossible for the application to be submitted between 1 September 2025 and 15 January 2026.

A letter setting out the reasons for lateness, with evidence if available, should be submitted with the application form. Each request will be considered individually.

Other late applications received after 15 January 2026 will not be considered for National Offer Day - 16 April 2026. After 16 April, if the preferred school has vacancies, a place will be offered in the next round of offers in May. If the preferred school does not have any vacancies, the child’s name will be added to the waiting list, and the parents will be advised of their right of appeal. An alternative place will be allocated at a school that is either nearest or within a reasonable travelling distance from the home address.

If parents request to change their preferences after 15 January 2026, this will not be administered unless the change is made before 9 February 2026 and there is a documented change in exceptional family circumstances that makes the change necessary.