Parents and carers across Somerset are being urged to act early as applications for Year 7 secondary school places for September 2026 officially open. The national deadline to submit applications is 31 October 2025, and late submissions could risk your child missing out on their preferred school.
With key dates, travel rules, and new transport legislation coming into effect in 2026, the local council is advising families to plan ahead — not only for school admissions but also for home-to-school transport arrangements, which will be affected by new government regulations.
Here’s everything Somerset parents need to know to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school in 2026.
Application Window Now Open for September 2026 Intake
If your child is due to start secondary school (Year 7) in September 2026, applications are now open.
Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to apply online through the official Somerset Council website before the national deadline of 31 October 2025.
This online application process ensures your submission is securely received, and you’ll also get a digital confirmation once it’s complete.
Key Deadlines Parents Must Remember
Timing is everything when it comes to school admissions.
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- Application deadline: 31 October 2025
- National Offer Day (when school places are announced): 2 March 2026
Any applications submitted after the deadline will be treated as late, and while they will still be processed, priority for preferred schools will be given to those who applied on time.
The council also recommends parents review their child’s potential schools early to understand catchment areas, admissions policies, and available places.
Where to Find School Information
The Somerset Council’s ‘Applying for School’ page offers detailed information, including:
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- A directory of secondary schools in Somerset
- Catchment area maps
- Admissions criteria for each school
- Details about transport eligibility
Parents are urged to read the Secondary Admissions Guide carefully before submitting an application. This guide explains how school preferences are ranked, how catchment areas influence allocations, and what happens if multiple schools are oversubscribed.
Don’t Forget: Include Catchment and Nearest Schools in Preferences
When completing the application form, parents must list their catchment school and nearest school among their preferences — particularly if these are different institutions.
This step is crucial for eligibility in home-to-school transport.
If you choose a school that is neither your catchment nor nearest school and it is beyond statutory walking distance, you will be responsible for arranging your child’s own transport.
By listing both schools, families safeguard their eligibility for council-assisted school travel if needed.
Home-to-School Travel Assistance: Apply Early
Somerset Council advises families to apply for school transport assistance as soon as possible to ensure everything is in place before the new school term begins.
Parents should check eligibility criteria and submit applications through the Council’s “Apply for School Travel Assistance” webpage.
This helps confirm whether your child qualifies for free or subsidised travel based on:
- Distance from home to school
- Catchment area placement
- Household income (for low-income families)
By applying early, you can avoid last-minute disruptions and guarantee smooth travel arrangements for your child in September 2026.
Major Transport Change: New PSVAR Rules Coming into Effect
Parents should take note of an important policy change that will affect many families from summer 2026 onwards.
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From August 2026, under the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), councils will no longer be able to sell Pay Seats on any contracted school transport vehicle that does not comply with accessibility standards.
This rule means that even selling a single seat on a non-PSVAR-compliant school vehicle will legally classify it as a public service vehicle, which must meet strict accessibility requirements.
What This Means for Somerset Families
The new PSVAR legislation will have significant implications, especially for rural communities.
Many existing school transport vehicles do not currently meet the new accessibility standards, which include requirements for ramps, lifts, and designated wheelchair spaces.
Because of this, Somerset Council will have limited ability to sell Pay Seats — the term for seats purchased by families who do not qualify for free transport but still use school buses.
“If the ruling remains unchanged, there will be a noticeable reduction in the number of Pay Seats available to families — particularly in rural areas where public transport alternatives are already limited,” a council spokesperson warned.
This means that some families who previously purchased spare seats on council-run school buses may need to make alternative arrangements for their children’s daily commute.
Why the Changes Are Being Introduced
The PSVAR regulations are part of a broader effort to make public transport more accessible for people with disabilities.
While the intent is to improve inclusion, the current application of the law presents logistical challenges for local authorities, particularly when applied to school transport services that are not open to the general public.
Somerset Council has said it will continue to review the policy and engage with government officials to find workable solutions that balance accessibility with practical transport needs in education.
Options for Families Affected by Transport Limitations
If your child relies on Pay Seat school transport, it’s essential to start exploring options now.
Here’s what families can do:
- Check eligibility for free transport: Ensure you’ve listed both your catchment and nearest schools in your preferences.
- Apply for travel assistance early: Visit the council’s travel assistance page to confirm your options.
- Explore local transport alternatives: Look into community bus routes or carpooling options in your area.
- Stay informed: Follow council updates online for announcements about new routes or changes to PSVAR compliance.
Council Encourages Early Action
Somerset Council emphasizes that early preparation is key for both school placement and transport planning.
By submitting applications before the deadline and confirming transport eligibility in advance, parents can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
“We want every child to start secondary school feeling confident and supported,” said a council representative. “Applying early and understanding your transport options helps make that possible.”
Where to Get Help and Information
Parents and carers can find everything they need to apply on the Somerset Council’s official website, including:
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- Online school admission forms
- Catchment area maps and guides
- Secondary Admissions Guide 2026
- Travel assistance application portal
For specific transport questions, contact the Home to School Transport team directly through the council’s helpline or via the website’s “Contact Us” form.
Final Reminder: Don’t Miss the 31 October Deadline
To secure a school place for your child starting in Year 7 in September 2026, make sure to:
- Apply online before 31 October 2025.
- Include both catchment and nearest schools in your preferences.
- Review transport eligibility early.
- Read the Secondary Admissions Guide carefully.
School offers will be released on 2 March 2026, marking the official National Offer Day across England.
By preparing early, Somerset families can avoid last-minute complications and ensure their children get the best start to their secondary education journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When do secondary school applications close for Somerset 2026 intake?
Applications close on 31 October 2025, in line with the national admissions deadline.
Q2: When will school place offers be announced?
Offers will be made on National Offer Day — 2 March 2026.
Q3: What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Late applications will still be processed, but preferred schools may already be full, reducing your chances of securing your top choice.
Q4: How will the 2026 PSVAR rule affect school transport?
From August 2026, councils cannot sell Pay Seats on non-accessible vehicles, meaning fewer paid school bus seats will be available, especially in rural areas.
Q5: How can I check if I qualify for school transport assistance?
You can check eligibility and apply early via Somerset Council’s “Apply for School Travel Assistance” webpage or contact the Home to School Transport team for advice.
