Applications for primary and secondary school places for September 2026 intake are open from 12 September 2025.
Knowsley residents can name up to three schools of preference on their application and can access the application by visiting the school admission pages of the Knowsley Council website and following the link to the online application portal.
Many Knowsley schools will be oversubscribed and will, therefore, have to refuse some applicants. Please read the information about the application and allocation process carefully and apply on-time.
You cannot simply choose the school you want. You should consider naming local schools and those for which your child has a higher priority for securing a place. You are strongly advised to use all preferences and could disadvantage your child if you do not.
Applying for secondary school transfer
If your child is currently in year 6 of primary school or their date of birth is between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015, you can apply for a year 7 secondary school place for September 2026.
There is no automatic transfer – everyone must apply by completing the application form of the Local Authority in which you live.
Before making your application, please visit the school admission pages of the Knowsley Council website at Apply for secondary school for September 2026 | Knowsley Council and view a copy of the secondary admissions composite prospectus at Secondary Admissions Composite Prospectus 2026-27.pdf
The closing date for applications for secondary school is 31 October 2025.
Applying for reception class at primary school
If your child’s date of birth is between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, you can apply for a reception class place for September 2026.
There is no automatic transfer from nursery – everyone must apply by completing the application form of the Local Authority in which you live.
Before making your application, please visit the school admission pages of the Knowsley Council website and view a copy of the primary admissions composite prospectus at Primary Admissions Composite Prospectus 2026-27.pdf
The closing date for applications to primary school is 15 January 2026.