Starting primary school (reception)

1. Important dates

The arrangements for the admission of pupils to primary schools in September 2026 will, as far as possible, conform to the following timetable.

Monday 1 September 2025 - Apply from this date

School places are not allocated on a first come, first served basis. All applications received up to the closing date are given equal priority, but if you miss the deadline, a late application may reduce your chance of getting your preference of school.

Thursday 15 January 2026 - National closing date for primary applications (statutory).

During this period all applications are processed and all preferences are considered against the published admissions policy. Where there are more applications than places available, decisions are made as to which children should be offered the available places. We will liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities including neighbouring local authorities. The allocation and offer of a primary school place is finalised.

Thursday 16 April 2026 - Offers issued to parents

(The national offer date is 16 April, if this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)

If you are not happy with an initial offer, the appeals period starts from your receipt of the offer. Appeal information will be issued later as this allows some time for waiting lists to operate.

Appeals which we receive after the deadline will be slotted into the schedule where possible. We cannot guarantee this however, and late appeals may have to be heard after the agreed date at a second round of hearings. The schedule is subject to change depending upon the availability of appeal panel members, clerks, venue, etc.