If your child is due to start secondary school (Year 7) in September 2026, please note that applications are open. And Somerset parents and carers are being urged to apply online – and on time!
Secondary school applications must be submitted by the national deadline, which is 31 October 2025.
School place offers will be made on National Offer Day, 2 March 2026.
For information, including a directory of schools, catchment areas and admissions policies, please visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/
Will you need school transport for your child?
If yes, you must include your catchment school and nearest school (where they are different) when choosing your preferences.
This is so important, because those who secure a place for their child at a school preference which is neither their catchment school or their nearest school, and which is over statutory walking distance, will have to make their own travel arrangements.
Parents are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for home to school travel assistance at the earliest opportunity to ensure that transport is in place at the start of the term.
Restrictions on selling seats on school transport from summer 2026
If your child is due to start secondary school (Year 7) in September 2026 you should note the Council will not be able to sell seats on contracted vehicles on local authority-managed school transport services that are not compliant with Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR).
Under current guidance, due to come into force in August 2026, any vehicle used for school transport that sells even a single Pay Seat, is deemed to be operating as a public service and therefore must comply with PSVAR.
The legislation severely limits the Council’s ability to offer Pay Seats on existing contracted services, as many vehicles in use do not meet the accessibility standards required by the regulations. If the ruling stands, there will be a reduction in the number of Pay Seats available to families who rely on them to access education, particularly in rural areas where public transport alternatives are limited or non-existent.
Find out more about school travel options and policies here: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/apply-for-school-travel-assistance/
Parents and carers are advised to read the Secondary Admissions Guide before making an application. The guide can be accessed here: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/applying-for-school/starting-at-a-secondary-or-upper-school-in-september/
For questions and queries email: schooladmissions@somerset.gov.uk
Those who don’t have online access can telephone the Somerset Council customer contact number on 0300 123 2224.
