Applications for primary school and secondary school places have opened in Leicestershire for the first time this year 

For children moving from primary school to secondary school need, applications need to be made by 31 October. For children stating primary school for the first-time or applying to transfer school between infant and primary school, the deadline is 15 January. 

Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: 'We know a lot of factors need to be considered when choosing a school, which is why we've put lots of information on our website to help guide you through the decision-making and application processes. 

'Please do make sure you apply before the closing date because if you don't, your application will be processed after those made on time. There's no automatic entry for any of our schools.' 

To work out which schools are in your catchment area, check the school's website or phone the school as this can be a key factor in getting a place at a school. 

To get more information about a school and a feel for their staff and classrooms, local schools are all holding open evenings this term. 

Ivanhoe School is holding an Open Evening for Year 6 parents on Wednesday 25 September. 

Ashby School's Open Evening will be on Thursday 2 October.

There are a lot of local primary schools. Here are the details for open-evenings and admissions for some of the primary schools in the area: 

• Ashby Willesley Primary School – Wednesday 17 September 
• Ashby C of E Primary School –  Wednesday 24 September 
• Ashby Hill Top Primary School  – Thursday 2nd October 
• Ashby Hastings Primary School – Thursday 25 September 
• Woodcote Primary School – Wednesday 10 September 
• Donisthorpe Primary School – Tuesday 7 September 
• Packington C of E Primary School – Thursday 15 October 

If you are interested in a school that is not listed, the details of open evening and their admissions is available on the 'Admissions' page on their website. 

Leicestershire County Council has shared some of their top tops for parents and carers to consider when applying for school places. 

• 'You can select up to five school preferences; it's strongly recommended to include your catchment area school 
• 'Choosing just one school will not increase your child's chances of securing a place there. If you're not offered a place at a preferred school, and don't have other preferences on your list, you could be offered a school some distance away   
• 'Make sure you're happy with your order of preference(s)  
• 'If you reopen your electronic application to check your application or to make changes to it, you must then click the resubmit button. If you don't, your application will remain unsubmitted 
• 'If you're applying for an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) and you think your child might attend a special school, it is still important to fill out an application for a mainstream school place. This will ensure they will have a school place in the autumn.' 

Allocated school places will be announced on 2 March 2026 for secondary schools and 16 April 2026 for primary schools. 

For more information about school admissions and to apply, visit the Leicestershire County Council admissions website.