Your quick guide to applying for primary school for 2026 entry

We understand that choosing a primary school for your child is an important decision. Our quick guide will help you with information on how to apply for a place starting in September 2026. 

Key deadline date

If your child is born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022, you can apply for them to start primary school from September 2026.

For children starting reception in September 2026, the deadline for applications is 15th January 2026

How to apply

Here are the key steps to make your child’s application:

  • Read the Parents’ Guide to education in Shropshire (2026/27). This booklet is produced by Shropshire Council and provides all the details you need about the admissions process and schools in Shropshire. Read the guide here
  • Finalise your three primary school choices and order of preference.
  • Register and apply via Shropshire Council’s online portal.  
  • Read Shropshire Council’s guidance on making an application
  • The application deadline is 15th January 2026.

What happens next?

The National Offer Day for infant and primary school is 16th April 2026. You will be able to log back into your account to view the outcome of your application. You will also receive an email.

For any questions about applying to primary school, please contact Shropshire Council at School admissions | Shropshire Council

Good luck with your application! 

Primary schools in The 3-18 Education Trust

Bowbrook Primary School

Bowbrook is Shrewsbury’s newest school with state of the art facilities including a multi use games area, a dance studio, a science and DT lab as well as extensive surrounding fields. There are a fantastic range of resources that will provide the children with some wonderful opportunities inside and outside the classroom as they take their first steps into building successful futures.

Visit Bowbrook’s website

a picture of a group of students infront of a painted wall side by side

Coleham Primary School

We are a vibrant two-form entry primary school, situated in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. We enjoy a spacious school site with a beautifully renovated coach house for art activities and music lessons. We also have two conservation areas, which are used for outdoor learning across the school. Our children regularly work with our friends and neighbours within the local community of Coleham.

Visit Coleham’s website

Hodnet Primary School

Our rural village location enables us to have strong local community links, and a deep sense of pride in our beautiful setting with extensive grounds in which to learn and grow. We are a happy and successful school where pupils achieve well. We take great pride in our exciting, caring and welcoming school. Our pupils are our pride and joy and ensuring that every child is happy and given the opportunities to achieve their potential is our priority.

Visit Hodnet’s website

John Wilkinson schoolchildren

John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery

We are a small semi-rural provision offering a nurturing environment in which all children can excel. We value children as individuals and help them to understand their role as members of the John Wilkinson family and of the wider community. We are situated in beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Broseley community and we are lucky to have extensive school grounds for children to enjoy. 

Visit John Wilkinson’s website

Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery

Nestled in the heart of a friendly rural community, Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery is a place where children flourish. Our vision is Unlocking Potential: Empowering Every Child to Thrive, and we’d love to show you what this means for your child.

Visit Much Wenlock Primary School’s website

St Martins 3-16 School

As a 3-16 through school at the heart of the community of St Martins, we are able to deliver child centred, individually tailored education because of our small size and unique position in the community. The family ethos of our school surrounds all who work and study here creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. We value academic progress and social development equally.

Visit St Martin’s 3-16 School website

The 3-18 Education Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) of primary and secondary schools across Shropshire, with a community of over 5,000 students.

For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.

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