Starting school in September 2026 (for children born between 1/9/2021-31/8/2022)

Parents of children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 must apply for a school place for September 2026.

You must apply for a school place even if:

• you've already made an earlier application direct to the school
• your preferred school is not in Luton
• your preferred school is a faith school, a foundation school, an academy or a free school
• your child is attending a pre-school or early years class attached to your preferred school

It's really important that you read our How to apply for a school place for September 2026 guide before making your application.

Making an application using the education portal

You must register to the online system if you haven't used the online application system in previous years.

Once you've completed the registration, you'll be able to access the system using the login details you've used this year for any future online applications you wish to make. 

You'll be asked to upload proof of your address to the online system. 

You must read the checklist before submitting your application. 

The closing date for applications to be considered in the initial allocation is 15 January 2026.

Please note: if you're applying for a school outside of Luton, you must provide any additional documents/supporting information direct to the relevant local authority and/or the school(s) you're applying for.

Documentation sent to Luton’s Admissions team will not be forwarded on to the relevant local authority and/or school.

If you specify Sacred Heart Primary School, St Margaret of Scotland Primary School and/or St Martin de Porres Primary School as a preference, you must also provide the following direct to the relevant school:

• the school's completed supplementary form
• either your child’s original Baptismal certificate or certificate of Reception

If you specify St Josephs Primary School as a preference, you must provide your child’s original Baptismal certificate or certificate of Reception direct to the school.

The documents must be provided by 15 January 2026.  

Applications received after 15 January 2026 will be treated as late. Late applications will be processed in June 2026.

Go to education portal

Please note: the education portal can be used to:

• apply online for an infant or primary school place
• keep up to date with the any changes you make to your application

After the closing date, an update on the school your child has been allocated can be seen on the portal from 16 April 2026.

Alternative ways to make a starting school application

To request a copy of the Luton residents application form or a copy of the supplementary form for Sacred Heart Primary School, St Margaret of Scotland Primary School and/or St Martin de Porres Primary School, please complete a school admissions general enquiry form.

The completed application form must be posted/scanned to the Admissions team. 

If you experience problems applying for a school place, please contact us.

Admissions helpline

Admissions enquiry form
Admissions helpline: 01582 548016