Everything you need to know as Lancashire primary school applications close this week
With primary school applications closing this week for schools in Lancashire we have provided the following guide.
When do primary school applications close?
In Lancashire, and across the UK, you must apply for a primary school place by 11:59pm Thurday, January 15.
How do I apply for a primary school place?
The simplest way to apply is online .
For those in Blackpool, you can do so via the Blackpool Council website here, for those in Blackburn you can do so here and for everyone else across the county, you can apply via the Lancashire County Council website here.
At all three councils, if you are unable to apply online, you can also apply for a reception place for admission in September 2026 by completing a paper application form.
This can be obtained in Blackpool by contacting the council by email [email protected] or telephone 01253 476637.
In Blackburn, this can be requested from the Schools Admissions Team.
For Lancashire County Council, the paper application form can be downloaded from this page, or you can contact the area education office.
All applications are processed, and all preferences are considered against the published admissions policy.
Where there are more applications than places available, decisions are made as to which children should be offered the available places.
The relevant council will liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities including neighbouring local authorities.
The allocation and offer of a secondary school place is then finalised.
When will I find out what school my child has been offered?
The national offer date is Thursday, April 16 2026.
What if I am not happy with my child’s allocation?
If you are not happy with an initial offer the appeals period starts from your receipt of the offer.
Appeal information will be issued later as this allows some time for waiting lists to operate.
Appeals which councils receive after the deadline will be slotted into the schedule where possible but this cannot be guaranteed and late appeals may have to be heard after the agreed date at a second round of hearings.
The schedule is subject to change depending upon the availability of appeal panel members, clerks, venue, etc.
Are the dates the same for secondary schools?
No, secondary school applications have a different deadline.
For 2026 starters, applications for secondary schools opened on Monday, September 1 2025 and closed on Friday, October 31 2025.
You then find out your secondary school allocation on Monday, March 2.