This guide explains how to apply for a reception place at a primary school for children born between 1 September and 31 August of the following year.
It also covers:
- Applications to junior schools (for children in Year 2 at an infant school)
- Applications to middle schools (for children in Year 4 at a first school, in areas that use a three‑tier system)
Across the UK, school admissions are coordinated by local authorities, and all applications must be made through your home council, even if you are applying for schools in another area.
You can find all official information and apply online through the UK Government’s central admissions page:
www.gov.uk/schools-admissions (gov.uk in Bing)
This page links directly to your local council’s admissions portal, where you will find:
- Full details of the application process
- School directories and admissions arrangements
- Oversubscription criteria
- Information about appeals and waiting lists
Why Apply Online?
Applying online through your local council’s admissions system is recommended because:
- It is quick, secure and easy to use
- You receive instant confirmation that your application has been submitted
- You can view or amend your application up until the national closing date
- You can accept your school offer online on allocation day
If you do not have internet access, your local council can provide alternative ways to apply, such as paper forms or access through libraries or council offices.
Key National Deadlines (England)
These dates apply across England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate different systems and timelines):
Primary / First School (Reception)
- Applications open: September
- Deadline: 15 January
- Offer Day: 16 April
Junior / Middle School
- Applications open: September
- Deadline: 15 January
- Offer Day: 16 April
Local authorities may publish additional dates for late applications, address changes, and evidence submission. Always check your council’s website for exact timelines.
How Are Places Offered?
Local authorities coordinate admissions for all state-funded schools, including academies, community schools, voluntary aided schools, foundation schools and free schools.
When a school receives more applications than places available, the admission authority applies its published oversubscription criteria. These may include:
- Looked-after children
- Siblings
- Distance from home to school
- Catchment areas
- Faith‑based criteria (for faith schools)
Each school’s admission arrangements are published annually and must be read carefully before applying.
What You Need to Do
1. Choose and rank your preferred schools
You can list multiple schools (the number varies by local authority, usually 3–6). To make informed choices:
- Use your council’s school directory
- Check Ofsted reports and school prospectuses
- Visit schools where possible
- Review each school’s oversubscription criteria
- Consider home‑to‑school transport eligibility
- Remember: a nursery place does not guarantee a reception place
2. Submit your application by the national deadline
For foundation, voluntary aided schools and academies, you may also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if the school requires additional information (e.g., faith evidence). These must be returned directly to the school.
What Happens Next?
3. National Offer Day
You will receive your child’s school offer on 16 April (or the next working day).
Online applicants receive an email and can view their offer through the admissions portal.
If your child qualifies for more than one school, you will be offered the highest‑ranked school for which they meet the criteria.
If none of your preferred schools can offer a place, your local authority will allocate a place at the nearest school with available spaces.
4. If You’re Not Happy With the Offer
You can:
- Join waiting lists (you can join lists for any school, even those you did not originally apply for)
- Submit an appeal to the school’s admission authority
- Seek advice from your local council’s admissions team
Full guidance is provided on your council’s website on allocation day.
Home-to-School Transport
Eligibility for free transport varies by local authority and depends on:
- Distance from home to school
- Age of the child
- Whether the school is the nearest suitable school
- Special educational needs or disabilities
Check your council’s transport policy for full details.
Where to Get More Help
Your local council’s admissions team can provide:
- Advice on completing your application
- Information about schools in your area
- Guidance on appeals and waiting lists
- Paper application forms if needed
To find your local authority’s admissions page, visit:
www.gov.uk/schools-admissions (gov.uk in Bing)
