Apply for a reception place at a primary school
The page is for children starting reception class in primary school in September 2026.
Children start reception class in September 2026 if they were born between between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022.
When can my child start school?
|
Date of birth |
Start or transfer |
Apply |
|---|---|---|
|
1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 |
Start reception September 2026 |
3 November 2025 |
|
1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 |
Start reception September 2027 |
2 November 2026 |
Choosing the right primary school for your child is very important. Our Starting Primary School guide provides information about how and when to apply for a place, explains how admission decisions are made and gives information about each school to help you decide which schools to apply for.
Read our Starting Primary School guide
If you need an immediate primary school place for the current academic year, please complete an in year admission application.
Timetable for applying for a reception place
This is the timetable for applying which shows the important dates you need to know about.
| Monday 3 November 2025 | The online admissions system opens for primary school places starting in September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Thursday 15 January 2026 | Closing date for applications Ensure your reception class application for a primary school is submitted before this date. Otherwise you will need to apply for a late application. |
| Friday 6 March 2026 | Last date for any changes to the address in your application. |
| Thursday 16 April 2026 | Primary National Offer Day |
| Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Closing Date for Bulk Round 2 applications |
| Wednesday 6 May 2026 |
Bulk Round 2 offers are sent |
| Monday 31 August 2026 | Final closing date for any late applications received after Bulk Round 2 |