Parents in Wolverhampton are facing a critical deadline to secure their child's first school place, with council figures revealing a concerningly low application rate.
Time Running Out for Critical Decision
Families with children due to start infant or primary school in September 2026 have been issued an urgent reminder. The window for submitting online reception class applications closes at 11.59pm on January 15, 2026. Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for children, young people and education, stressed the importance of acting now.
"This is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s future," she said. "The application process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete."
Low Uptake Sparks Concern
The call to action comes as the City of Wolverhampton Council disclosed that, at the start of December, only 43 per cent of eligible parents had completed their applications. This low figure has prompted officials to warn that delaying could severely impact a child's chances of getting into a preferred school.
Councillor Coogan highlighted a common misconception: "It’s important to remember that, if your child is already in nursery provision at an infant or primary school, you will still need to apply for a reception class place for them."
How and Where to Apply
Parents and guardians can complete the short form online at the council's dedicated admissions portal. The council advocates for the digital service, citing several benefits:
- Applications are made through a secure website.
- Submissions can be viewed and edited right up to the closing date.
- Parents will find out their child's school place allocation online in April 2026, without waiting for postal notification.
For those needing assistance, the Admissions and Appeals Team can be contacted on 01902 551122. Furthermore, the council is hosting School Application Surgeries at the Civic Centre in St Peter's Square. These drop-in sessions will run from 10am to 2pm on January 8 and 15, 2026, with no appointment necessary.
The final message from the council is clear: applying after the January 15 deadline could have a detrimental effect on securing a place at a chosen school, making immediate action essential for Wolverhampton families.
