Welcome to the ELAN Primary School Admissions Guide for 2026 Entry

Starting primary school is an exciting milestone, and we know the admissions process can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guide brings everything together in one simple, easy‑to‑follow timeline to help you feel confident at every step. From visiting schools and starting your application to National Offer Day and your child’s first day in September, we’ve broken the journey down so you always know what’s coming next.

Whether you're new to the process or just need a clear overview, this family‑friendly guide is designed to make things as straightforward and stress‑free as possible. Let’s get started.

From 1 July - September 2025 – Start exploring schools

Start by finding your local schools:
Find-your-local-schools
Check school Facebook pages for photos, news, and open day dates.
Add school tours/open days/visits to your diary.

From 1 September 2025 – Book school visits

As soon as schools open booking for tours and open days, sign up.

12 September 2025 – Start your application

You can choose three schools on your application.
You can register on the North Somerset Citizens Portal and begin your application.
You don’t have to submit yet.
Register for the North Somerset Citizens Portal

1-15 January 2026 – Check if extra evidence is needed

If your child attends our preschools and is in receipt of early years pupil premium or service premium, our admission arrangements have a supplementary information form (SIF) to be completed and submitted with your application for school (this includes online and paper applications). The SIF form should be completed and sent directly to the school.
Schools needing this: Bournville, Locking, Oldmixon, Windwhistle

15 January 2026 – Application deadline

Submit your final school choices by 11:59pm.
Any changes after this date will be processed later, not with the main group.

16 January 2026 – Online system closes

Online applications close.
If you missed the deadline or moved house, you can still apply using a paper form.
Apply-for a school-place

16 April 2026 – National Offer Day

You will find out your child’s school:

If applied online → log into the portal + you’ll get an email.
Paper application with email → outcome emailed.
Paper application without email → letter sent (2nd class).

You will then need to choose one of the following:

Accept or decline the place
Ask to join a waiting list
Request an appeal
Withdraw and submit new school choices

16–17 April 2026 – School contact

Your allocated school will get in touch to welcome you.

September 2026 – Starting school

3–4 September 2026

INSET days (staff training)
Children do NOT attend.

7 September 2026

First day of school for pupils. Children starting in Reception may have a different timetable so look out for more information.