Apply for Your Child's Reception Place: A Guide for Birmingham & Sandwell Parents (September 2026 Entry)

November 19, 2025

It feels like only yesterday we were welcoming your little ones into our nursery family, and now we are talking about "big school"!


It is a huge milestone, and while it’s exciting, we know it can feel a little bittersweet (and stressful!) for parents. Before we get to the graduation photos and uniform shopping, there is one very important task to tick off your list: applying for their reception class place.


As your child is due to start school in September 2026, the application window is now officially OPEN.



At Green Coat Nursery, we want to make this process as stress-free as possible for our families in Sparkhill, Billesley, and Bearwood. Here is everything you need to know to secure the best possible start for your child’s next chapter.


📅 Key Dates for 2026 Admissions

Whether you live in Birmingham or Sandwell, the deadlines are strict. We recommend applying sooner rather than later, so you don't have to worry about it over Christmas!


  • Applications Are Open: Now
  • DEADLINE to Apply: 15th January 2026 (Must be submitted by 11:59 pm)
  • Offer Day: 16 April 2026 (National Offer Day)


📍 Which Council Do I Apply To?

This is the part that often confuses parents! You must apply to the council where you live (and pay council tax), even if you want your child to go to a school in a different area.


  • For our Bearwood families: You are right on the border! If you pay council tax to Sandwell, you must apply via the Sandwell website (even if you want a Birmingham school)
  • For our Sparkhill & Billesley families: Most of you will likely pay council tax to Birmingham, so you will apply via the Birmingham website


How to Apply Online

🔵 For Birmingham Residents


  1. Visit: 
    www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions
  2. Create an account and list up to three school preferences.
  3. Submit before 15 January 2026.


🟢 For Sandwell Residents


  1. Visit: www.sandwell.gov.uk/school-admissions
  2. Register on the portal and list your school preferences.
  3. Submit before 15 January 2026.


📝 Top Tips from Our Nursery Team

  • Use All Your Choices: We strongly recommend filling in all the choices available on the form (3 for Birmingham, 6 for Sandwell). Putting just one school does not increase your chances of getting in, and we don't want you to be left without a place
  • Check the "Admission Arrangements": Take a quick look at the criteria for your favourite schools (e.g., distance from home, faith criteria) to see how likely you are to get a place
  • Don't Forget Siblings: If you already have an older child at the school, you must include their details on the form to get priority. It isn't automatic!
  • Look for the Email: Once you click submit, you should receive an email confirmation immediately. If you don't get the email, the application might not have gone through, so please check your junk folder or log back in to check



We Are Here to Help

Please remember, you don't have to struggle through the forms alone.


If you are unsure about anything - whether it's checking which council you fall under, or understanding the online form - please just ask us. Our nursery managers in Sparkhill, Billesley, and Bearwood are always happy to sit down with you, pop the kettle on, and help you get it sorted.


We are preparing your children for this exciting step every day in nursery, and we are here to support you through it too.

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