Parents and carers with children due to start primary school in North Yorkshire in September 2026 can now submit their applications.
Children eligible to start school are those born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Families are advised to list up to five schools in order of preference.
Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, said: “We know that choosing the correct primary school for families is important, which is why we have included lots of information about the application process and details about the county’s schools on our website.”
She added: “For a child to be allocated a school place it is crucial that you make an application to the local authority where you live and the deadline to apply is January 15, 2026. If parents or carers apply after the deadline, this could affect the allocation of your child’s school place.”
Cllr Wilkinson also commented: “Please remember, you still have to apply for a school place if your child is attending a nursery or has a sibling within the primary school you want them to go to.”
Parents are encouraged to consider eligibility for home-to-school travel when choosing a school. The council’s website, www.northyorks.gov.uk/find-a-school, provides details about travel eligibility and an online tool to find the nearest schools.
Allocated school places will be announced on National Offer Day, Thursday 16th April 2026. Last year, 95 per cent of families in North Yorkshire secured their first choice of school.
Families seeking further advice are asked to contact school admissions officers via email at schooladmissions@northyorks.gov.uk or by calling 01609 533679.
