Countdown to Primary School Application Deadline
If your child was born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, the clock is ticking. You have until midnight on January 15, 2026 to submit your primary school (Reception) application for September 2026 entry.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Application Window: Now open (opened September 2025)
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (midnight)
- National Offer Day: April 16, 2026
What Happened with Secondary Applications?
The secondary school (Year 7) application deadline for September 2026 has already passed (October 31, 2025). Parents who applied will receive their offers on March 2, 2026. If you missed the deadline, contact your local council immediately - late applications are processed after all on-time applications, significantly reducing your chances of securing a preferred school.
How to Apply for Primary School
Step 1: Research Schools
Use UK School Explorer to:
- Compare schools in your area
- Check latest Ofsted report cards (now with detailed 6-area assessments)
- Review catchment areas and admission distances from previous years
- Look at school performance data
- Understand each school's admission criteria
Step 2: Visit Schools
Most schools hold open days during the autumn term (September-November). If you haven't visited yet, contact schools directly - some offer individual tours outside of formal open days.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
Apply through your local council's admissions portal. You can typically list up to 6 schools in order of preference. Contrary to popular myth, listing fewer schools does NOT increase your chances at your first choice.
Understanding Admissions Criteria
Schools use published oversubscription criteria when they receive more applications than places. Common criteria include:
- Looked After Children - Children in care or previously in care (highest priority by law)
- Medical or Social Needs - Exceptional circumstances requiring a specific school
- Siblings - Children with brothers or sisters already at the school
- Distance - Measured from home to school (straight line or walking distance, depending on council)
Some schools, particularly faith schools, have additional criteria such as church attendance.
Top Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing only one school - Always use all your preferences
- Not including a "safe" option - Include at least one school where you're very likely to be offered a place
- Applying after the deadline - Late applications are processed last
- Ignoring admission distances - Check previous years' data to gauge realistic chances
- Assuming siblings guarantee a place - Sibling criteria has limits (check each school's policy)
What Happens After You Apply?
After the January 15th deadline, local councils work with schools to allocate places using the published admission criteria. The process is coordinated across councils to prevent multiple offers.
On April 16, 2026, you'll receive:
- An email from your council's admissions team
- Notification through the online portal
- One offer (you cannot receive multiple offers)
What If You Don't Get Your First Choice?
Don't panic. You'll be automatically added to waiting lists for any schools you ranked higher than the one you were offered. Waiting lists are maintained in admission criteria order (not first-come-first-served).
Many families receive offers from waiting lists between April and September as other parents:
- Decline offers
- Accept places at private schools
- Move house
You also have the right to appeal. Appeals are heard by independent panels and can be successful, particularly if the school made an error in applying its criteria.
Preparing for School Start
While waiting for your offer, it's not too early to think about:
- Uniform requirements (the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill may introduce cost caps)
- Before and after school care needs
- Free breakfast clubs (being rolled out to all primary schools from September 2026)
Use UK School Explorer to research and compare primary schools in your area. Our comprehensive data helps you make informed choices for your child's education.