Parents and carers in Suffolk have until Thursday 15 January 2026 to apply for a primary, infant, or junior school place for September 2026.
Applications should be submitted for children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022. This applies even if a child is already attending a nursery class, pre-school, or family hub near a school.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, emphasised the importance of planning for travel to and from school. He also advised parents to apply for more than one school, with up to three preferences listed in order.
“If you are planning to move house, or you think your circumstances may change before September, it is still essential to make an application on time using the child’s current address,” Cllr Reid said.
Applications are recommended to be made online to receive confirmation. Parents can then log in on National Offer Day, Thursday 16 April 2026, to see their school place offer, which will also be confirmed via email.
Those unable to apply online can submit a paper application (CAF1), though these will not be acknowledged. Proof of postage is advised. Offer letters for paper applications will be sent by second class post on National Offer Day.
Eligibility for school travel is based on attendance at the nearest suitable school that has available places, which may not always be the catchment area school. More information is available at www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel.
Last year, Suffolk County Council allocated 96.3% of children a place at the primary school listed as their first preference when applications were submitted on time. Late applications may not be processed until after places have been offered to on-time applicants.
Further guidance and online applications can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, or parents can call 0345 600 0981 for a paper application.
