Whether you’re looking up term dates, applying for a place in one of our Neath Port Talbot schools, or trying to find out what financial help is available, this page is your starting point for everything you need to know about Neath Port Talbot schools. Pick the section you need below.
Neath Port Talbot School Term Dates
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council publishes term dates covering Spring, Summer and Autumn terms for the current academic year, with dates for 2027 and 2028 also available for families planning ahead. Our page includes add-to-calendar buttons for every half term, holiday and bank holiday so you can save the dates straight to your phone.
INSET days in Neath Port Talbot are set by each individual school rather than the council centrally. Contact your school directly for their closure dates, or check the NPT Council website for any published dates.
View Neath Port Talbot Term Dates 2025 to 2028
Applying for a School Place in Neath Port Talbot
Applications for primary, secondary and nursery school places in Neath Port Talbot are made online through the NPT Citizens Portal. There is no automatic allocation, so even if you live next to your preferred school you still need to apply.
Key things to know before you apply:
- You can list more than one school preference and it’s strongly recommended that you do
- Paper application forms are available if you can’t apply online
- Nursery places can be applied for from 6 October 2025 for children born between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027
- For some faith schools, you’ll need to contact the school directly for their own application form as well as applying through the council
- Free school transport is only provided to your designated local authority school — if you apply to a school that isn’t your nearest, transport costs are your responsibility
Neath Port Talbot School Admissions: How to Apply
School Grants and Financial Help in Neath Port Talbot
There’s a decent amount of financial support available to Neath Port Talbot families with school-age children, and it’s not always well advertised. The main things worth knowing about are:
- School Essentials Grant: up to £125 per child (or £200 for Year 7) to help with uniform, kit, stationery and equipment. Apply through the NPT portal.
- Free School Meals: all primary pupils get a free meal automatically, but you still need to apply for means-tested Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) separately to unlock the School Essentials Grant and extra school funding.
- Free Breakfast Clubs: available at primary schools across Neath Port Talbot. Check with your school whether they run one.
- Free School Transport: for eligible pupils who live more than 2 miles from their primary school or 3 miles from their secondary school. Children with Additional Learning Needs may also qualify regardless of distance.
School Grants in Neath Port Talbot: Free Meals, Uniforms & Financial Help
For a full overview of all financial help available to families across Wales, including the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 to 18 year olds and free Microsoft 365 licences for all learners, take a look at our Help With School Costs in Wales guide.
