Admissions – September 2025/2026

How to Apply

The arrangements for the admission of pupils to primary schools in September 2026 will, as far as possible, conform to the following timetable.

Monday 1 September 2025 - Apply from this date

School places are not allocated on a first come, first served basis. All applications received up to the closing date are given equal priority, but if you miss the deadline, a late application may reduce your chance of getting your preference of school.

Thursday 15 January 2026 - National closing date for primary applications (statutory).

During this period all applications are processed and all preferences are considered against the published admissions policy. Where there are more applications than places available, decisions are made as to which children should be offered the available places. We will liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities including neighbouring local authorities. The allocation and offer of a primary school place is finalised.

Thursday 16 April 2026 - Offers issued to parents

(The national offer date is 16 April, if this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)

If you are not happy with an initial offer, the appeals period starts from your receipt of the offer. Appeal information will be issued later as this allows some time for waiting lists to operate.

Appeals which we receive after the deadline will be slotted into the schedule where possible. We cannot guarantee this however, and late appeals may have to be heard after the agreed date at a second round of hearings. The schedule is subject to change depending upon the availability of appeal panel members, clerks, venue, etc.

Infant School Admissions

Leyland Methodist Infant School is part of the Epworth Education Trust and follows the Lancashire County Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

• Places are allocated in April; the Published Admissions Number (PAN) is 70 pupils per year.
• If offered a place, parents must formally accept. A parent meeting and optional home visit will be arranged.

Junior School Admissions

Pupils at Leyland Methodist Infant School automatically transfer to the Junior School at the end of Year 2. No application is required.

If Year 3 applications exceed available places, a formal admission process follows. New applicants, including those moving into the area, are welcome to apply.

In-Year Admissions

Contact the school to check availability. If a place is available, a form must be completed to confirm acceptance. Places cannot be reserved.

Admissions Criteria

If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated based on:

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Exceptional medical, social, or welfare needs (with supporting evidence).
3. Siblings already attending the school.
4. Distance from the school (measured in a straight line).

If there are more applicants than spaces within a category, distance will be used as a tie-breaker. In rare cases where applicants live at the same distance, a random draw will determine the place allocation.

Waiting Lists

Waiting lists are maintained until 31st August 2026 by the Local Authority. From 1st September 2026, they are managed by individual schools.

Late Applications

Late applications are considered only if:

• The number of applicants is below the Published Admissions Number (PAN).
• Exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., relocation, medical emergency).

Appeals Process

Parents can appeal admission decisions. Full details, including deadlines, are available at Lancashire County Council - School Appeals.

Contact Information:
Email: southadmissions@lancashire.gov.uk
Tel: 01772 532109
Address:
South Area Education Office
PO Box 100, Pupil Access Team
Lancashire County Council
County Hall, Fishergate Hill
Preston PR1 0LD

For more details, visit the Lancashire County Council admissions page.