Families across Rotherham have been notified about which primary school their child has been offered a place for the 2026-2027 academic year.
National Offer Day for Primary School places took place on Thursday 16 April 2026. It is the day when parents and carers of children starting Primary School or moving up from Infants to Juniors learn which school they have been allocated for September 2026.
Data shows that the majority of Rotherham children will be starting the new academic year in September at a school of preference.
The total number of places offered to start Reception in September 2026 in Rotherham is 2,918 with 94.4% of children having been offered a place at their first preferred school. In total, 98.5% have been offered one of their three preferred schools.
For applications received for children to attend Year 3 in a Junior School in September 2026, 100% have been offered a place at their first choice of Junior School.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: “It is important that every child has access to a great level of education and our schools are committed to providing the best start possible, including making sure children are placed in a school of their choice. For many children, starting school can feel daunting but by securing a place at a preferred school, it helps make the transition that bit easier.
“I am delighted to say that Rotherham has been able to offer 98.5% of children a place in their school of choice.”
For the small percentage of Rotherham children who could not be accommodated at one of their preferred schools, all have been made an offer of a place at either their catchment area school or the next nearest school, where a place was available.
Any parents whose child has not been offered a place at their preferred school, have the right of appeal against the refusal of a place, with all cases heard by an independent appeals panel for a final legally binding decision.
The Council also maintains a waiting list until Thursday 31 December 2026 and will work closely with families affected to ensure that they are supported throughout the process.
Further information can be found on the Rotherham Council website.
