Primary School Admissions - September 2026
Children start school in September of the school year in which they become 5 years of age. This means most children are 4 years old when they start school.
For entry in September 2026, children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 are eligible to start school in September 2026.
The online application process opens 12th September 2025 and closes 15th January 2026. Parent/carers must make an application for the child's school place following the link: Primary school admissions - September 2026 | Peterborough City Council
Late applications risk children not being offered a place at their preferred school.
Parents will be notified of the outcome of their application on the Primary National Offer Day of 16th April 2026.
Statutory School Age
Children reach statutory school age on the prescribed date following their fifth birthday. The prescribed days are:
- 31 August
- 31 December
- 31 March
Statutory school age means the age when a parent is legally required to make sure that their child attends school (or is educated other than at school).
All children are allowed to start full-time in September. However, parents can defer their start at school until they reach compulsory school age (or until the start of the summer term if this is earlier).
Suitability of a School
Parents are advised to research the suitability of a school. The school admissions service have an online primary school directory that parents can use to find out further information about each school in Peterborough.
Visiting Schools
Encourage parents to visit the schools they are interested in. Benefits include:
- Giving the child the opportunity to get a feel of what the school would be like to attend
- Meeting the headteacher and class teachers
- Receiving a tour of the school to see what the classrooms and facilities are like
- Hearing first-hand about what school life will be like for the child
- Having the opportunity to ask questions
Often schools arrange activities for visiting children to participate in.
Admission Team Contact Details
For help or more information about the school admissions process, please contact the Admissions Team:
Email: admissions@peterborough.gov.uk
Phone: 01733 864007 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm - excluding bank holidays)
To support parents in applying for a school place, the admissions team have put together a letter that explains the details to help ensure they apply on time.
Reception Aged Children
If you have any children in your setting, completing their reception year with you, or any children that you suddenly become aware of that should have been starting school September 2025.
Contact
Annie Hornsby
Email: annie.hornsby@peterborough.gov.uk
Telephone: 07920 160209
