This year more than 89% of Kent pupils have been offered their first-preference school, and 98.22% have been offered one of their three preferred schools.
A total 16,595 Kent parents and carers applied for a place for their child in a Kent primary school for Year R, and 16,299 will receive an offer from one of their three preferred schools.
“I’m really pleased that 98% of children have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools this September”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “I’m really pleased that 98% of children have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools this September. I’d also like to say a big thank you to the hardworking team in our KCC admissions service, who put in a huge amount of effort to make sure places are allocated smoothly.
“For families who didn’t receive one of their preferred schools this time, I want to reassure you that this is just the first step in the allocation process, and more offers will be made over the coming weeks.”
Families who applied online will receive their emails from 4pm today (Thursday 16 April) and will be able to log into their accounts from 5pm to view their offer.
A further 66 applications for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) whose Plan was finalised before the 26 September 2025 and are moving to primary and junior schools have also been processed.
Every year a small number of children cannot be offered a place in one of their preferred schools and KCC will support these families by allocating them a place at an alternative school.
That number this year is 296 pupils; this is 1.78% of the total cohort.
This year, parents will automatically be enrolled on any waiting list they are eligible for at higher preference schools they were not offered. The email sent to parents will explain this in more detail.
Families can also request to join the waiting list of any lower preference schools they were not offered by 30 April 2026.
Parents and carers can also appeal directly to the admissions authority of any school that could not offer their child a place. Appeals must be lodged by 18 May 2026.
KCC will hold a second round of offers on 21 May 2026 for any spaces that become available.
If you have any queries after receiving your offer, please reply to your offer email.
