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BCP Council

Published on Thursday 16 April 2026

Primary school age children looking happy

The majority (99%) of children due to start primary school or due to transfer to a junior or middle school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) this September have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

  • 99.3% of families living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area have been offered a place in Reception at one of their preferred schools

  • 99.24% of families living in the BCP Council area have been offered a place in Year Three (Junior School) at one of their preferred schools

  • 98.56% of families living in the BCP Council area have been offered a place in Year Five (Middle School) at one of their preferred schools

The outcome of primary school applications will be shared with parents and carers on National Offer Day, Thursday 16 April 2026.

A total of 3,151 families living in the BCP area applied for a place in Reception before the deadline of 15 January 2026. All children of parents living in the BCP area who applied by the national deadline have been offered a school place for September 2026.

Parents and carers who applied online will be able to log on from 10am on Thursday 16 April to view their school offer. Offer letters will be sent to all parents and carers who applied by the closing date of 15 January 2026.

Lisa Linscott, Director of Education and Skills at BCP Council, said:

“This year, the majority of families have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools for their children to attend from September.

Choosing the right school is an important decision for families, and we recognise that some parents and carers may have questions about their child’s placement. I would encourage them to contact the BCP Council School Admissions Team for help and advice.”

Families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole who are seeking information about school vacancies and the options available should contact the School Admissions Team on 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.

You can apply for a school place and find school admissions information here: School admissions | BCP

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