Cardiff School Admission for 2026/2027
Applications for school places in Cardiff are coordinated mainly by Cardiff Council.
Cardiff has 125 schools across the following categories:
-
Nursery schools
-
-
Primary schools
-
Secondary schools
-
Special schools
A full list of schools and their contact details is contained in the official Cardiff admission prospectus.
Contents
Schools Whose Admissions Are Managed by the Council
The Council allocates places for:
-
Community schools
-
Voluntary Controlled schools
In addition, the Council also administers applications for the following schools:
-
St Mellons Church in Wales Primary School
-
Whitchurch High School
-
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic High School
-
St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School
If your child is applying to any of the above schools, you must apply through the Council.
How to Apply for a School Place
Parents should apply online via the Cardiff Council admission portal:
Apply online:
https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/schooladmissions
If you need support with your application, you can visit a Council Hub:
https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/hubs
If you cannot apply online, contact the School Admissions Service:
Telephone: 02920 872087
Key Admission Dates for 2026/2027
Nursery
Children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019
-
Application system opens – Monday 24 January 2026
-
Application deadline – Monday 21 February 2026
-
Offer date – Monday 25 April 2026
-
Offer response deadline – Monday 9 May 2026
-
Appeal closing date – Not applicable
Nursery
Children born between 1 September 2019 and 31 March 2020
-
Application system opens – Monday 6 June 2026
-
Application deadline – Monday 4 July 2026
-
Offer date – Monday 3 October 2026
-
Offer response deadline – Monday 17 October 2026
-
Appeal closing date – Not applicable
Primary
-
Application system opens – Monday 15 November 2021
-
Application deadline – Monday 10 January 2026
-
Offer date – Tuesday 19 April 2026
-
Offer response deadline – Wednesday 4 May 2026
-
Appeal closing date – Wednesday 18 May 2026
Secondary
-
Application system opens – Monday 27 September 2021
-
Application deadline – Monday 22 November 2021
-
Offer date – Tuesday 1 March 2026
-
Offer response deadline – Tuesday 15 March 2026
-
Appeal closing date – Tuesday 29 March 2026
Late Applications
Late applications must be made using a paper application form.
You can:
-
collect the form at a Council Hub, or
-
download it from the Cardiff Council website.
⚠️ Missing the application deadline may seriously reduce your chance of securing a preferred school.
What Happens When Schools Are Full
When a school is oversubscribed, places are allocated according to published oversubscription criteria.
Parents are advised to:
-
Read the criteria carefully, and
-
Provide complete and accurate information to support their application.
How to Apply for Voluntary Aided Schools
Some Cardiff schools (mainly Church in Wales and Catholic schools) are classified as Voluntary Aided Schools.
These schools:
-
do not have their places allocated by the Council, and
-
manage their own admissions.
If you wish to apply for a Voluntary Aided school, you must apply directly to the school by following the instructions on the school’s website.
National Curriculum Year Groups
Nursery Education
Nursery places are available for children in the term after their third birthday.
For the 2026/2027 admission year, children born between:
-
1 September 2018 and 31 March 2020
will be considered.
Primary School Year Groups (2026/2027)
| Year Group | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Reception | 01/09/2017 – 31/08/2018 |
| Infant 1 | 01/09/2016 – 31/08/2017 |
| Infant 2 | 01/09/2015 – 31/08/2016 |
| Junior 3 | 01/09/2014 – 31/08/2015 |
| Junior 4 | 01/09/2013 – 31/08/2014 |
| Junior 5 | 01/09/2012 – 31/08/2013 |
| Junior 6 | 01/09/2011 – 31/08/2012 |
Secondary School Year Groups (2026/2027)
| Year Group | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 01/09/2010 – 31/08/2011 |
| Year 8 | 01/09/2009 – 31/08/2010 |
| Year 9 | 01/09/2008 – 31/08/2009 |
| Year 10 | 01/09/2007 – 31/08/2008 |
| Year 11 | 01/09/2006 – 31/08/2007 |
Post-16 Education (Sixth Form and Colleges)
Applications for Post-16 education are not made through the Council.
They must be submitted directly to the school or college.
| Year Group | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Year 12 | 01/09/2005 – 31/08/2006 |
| Year 13 | 01/09/2004 – 31/08/2005 |
| Year 14 | 01/09/2003 – 31/08/2004 |
Related Article: Educator’s Handbook
Important Note
Always check whether your chosen school is:
-
a Council-allocated school, or
-
a Voluntary Aided school
Before submitting your application, as the application route is different.
