Parents and carers across Oxfordshire can now apply for primary school places for children due to start in September 2026.
The application window is open to families with children born between 01 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, marking the beginning of an important milestone for thousands of households preparing for their child’s first year of school.
Oxfordshire continues to perform strongly in securing preferred school places. Last year, 94.59 per cent of primary applicants were offered their first-choice school, reflecting the county’s ongoing commitment to accommodating parental preferences wherever possible. The county currently has more than 50,000 primary-aged pupils across over 230 primary schools.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, encouraged families to think carefully about their school selections and to use all available options when applying. “Our school admissions team will always do their very best to meet parental preference where possible,” he said.
“However, please do name four schools. This will not make it less likely that your first preference will be offered. However, it does reduce the risk of all preferences being unsuccessful and your child being allocated a place at a school that is not named on their list.
“I encourage you to please apply on time because late applications will be processed later in the year and are far less likely to secure places at preferred schools than applications received before the deadline.”
Applications must be submitted online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/primaryadmissions. The final deadline for completed applications is 15 January 2026.
Once the application period closes, families will receive their school allocation results on National Offer Day, which falls on 16 April 2026. Late applications, or those not listing a full set of preferences, may significantly reduce the chances of securing a preferred place.
The council is urging parents and carers to begin the process early, research their chosen schools, attend open days where possible and ensure all paperwork is submitted well before the deadline.
The admissions website offers detailed guidance, including catchment area information, admissions criteria and support for families applying for the first time.
With preparations for September 2026 now underway, Oxfordshire County Council emphasises that timely and well-considered applications give children the best opportunity to start school in a setting that suits their needs.
