About applying for a reception place
Choosing the right primary school for your child is a very important, and often stressful, experience.
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 to.
Timetable for applying for a reception place
You should follow the 4-step process to apply for a reception class place at a primary school.
This is the timetable for applying which shows the important dates you need to know about.
| Monday, 15 September 2025 |
The online admissions system opens for primary school places starting in September 2026. |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 15 January 2026 |
Closing date for applications |
| Friday, 13 February 2026 |
Last date for any changes to the address in your application. |
| Thursday, 16 April 2026 |
National offer day. |
| Sunday, 10 May 2026 |
Closing date for Round 2 applications. |
| Friday, 5 June 2026 |
Round 2 offers are sent. |
| Saturday, 6 June 2026 |
Online applications re-open. |
| Monday, 31 August 2026 |
Final closing date for applications. |