When to Apply for a Primary School Place
When to Apply for a Primary School Place
For many parents, the idea of applying for a primary or junior school place once seemed far off. Perhaps it still feels like yesterday you were welcoming a new addition to your family. But now, the time has come to think about applying for primary school and plan for your child’s exciting next step in education.
Whether your child is starting primary or infant school in September 2026 or a later school year, understanding the school admissions process is essential. This guide will help you navigate key dates like the closing date for applications, explain how to choose preferred schools, and clarify what happens once the school allocates your child’s place.
From submitting your application form online to knowing what to do if you aren’t happy with the school place offered, we cover everything parents need to feel confident in securing a place at the right local school for their child. Read on for detailed information and our expert tips on ensuring your child’s step into school life goes smoothly.
When can my child start primary or junior school?
In England and Wales, children typically begin their reception year full-time in September following their fourth birthday. For instance, if your little one turns 4 in June, they would usually start school that September.
If you feel your child isn’t quite ready to start school in September, there’s flexibility. For example, if their birthday falls in August, you might choose to delay their start. However, it’s important to remember that your child must be in full-time education by the time they reach compulsory school age.
There are options to start school part-time, join partway through the year, or begin in the following academic year in the September after they turn 5.
Please note: You’ll still need to apply for a primary school place at the same time as everyone else, but you can ask for a later start date when you apply.
Should your child start school after their fifth birthday, they will enter Year 1. If you’d prefer they start reception instead, it’s worth discussing this with your local council or school, but please be advised that they do not have to agree.
Compulsory school age is reached on the first of these dates after your child’s fifth birthday: 31st December, 31st March, or 31st August. If your child’s fifth birthday falls on one of these dates, that’s when compulsory education begins.
For example, if your child turns five on 31st March, they’ll need to start full-time education at the beginning of the next term, which is the summer term of that year.
Key dates and when to apply for primary school places
Parents of children whose fourth birthday is between 1st September 2025 and 31st August 2026 have until the closing date of 15th January 2026 to apply for a primary or junior school place for the academic year starting in September 2026.
How to apply for a primary school place in your local authority
You can start the application process for your nearest schools by entering your postcode on the UK Government’s website, where you’ll be redirected to your local authority’s primary school application process. Be sure to do this well in advance of the closing date.
Apply for a Primary School Place
Please note that most schools allow you to apply online, while others may require written application forms.
What are the primary school entry criteria?
You will have likely heard many parents discuss the lengths they have gone to to get their child into their preferred primary and junior schools.
We all know that ‘Good’ school places are in high demand, and with fewer places available than children who need them, it can feel competitive and stressful.
Some typical school admission criteria that schools may use include:
- children who live close to the school
- children who have a brother or sister at the school already
- children from a particular religion (for faith schools)
- children who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority or have previously been ‘looked after’ and are now adopted or have special guardianship; or
- children whose parents have worked at the school for 2+ years.
When researching your preferred schools, be sure to check their websites or social media pages, as they often post information about their specific entry criteria, which can help you assess the likelihood of your child being offered a place.
How do I choose the right primary school for my child?
What makes a great primary/junior school will depend on whether it feels like the right environment for your child.
Many parents feel pressured to choose a primary school based on academic performance, as we are regularly told that exam results are a ‘key indicator’ of a school’s success.
While academic performance, of course, holds some weight, other considerations should come into your decision-making.
Think about what you feel will best suit your child’s personality and learning style. Reflect on your interactions with the school staff and take your gut instincts into account. How did you feel when you visited a particular school?
A ‘Good’ primary school is far more about its ability to deliver a broad and balanced learning curriculum. It is more about whether you trust the staff and teachers to bring out the very best of your child.
Ultimately, you know your child better than anyone else. You know what environment they need to support their social and emotional development. Think about the things your child enjoys, whether that be sports, music, drama, or reading. That way, you can use their interests to learn more about a school’s facilities and the extra-curricular activities it offers.
Should I visit more than one school?
Yes. Definitely!
You might have one particular primary or junior school in mind as your first choice. Be prepared for it not to meet your expectations. Every school has a different ‘feel’, and you should use this to inform your decision.
Some schools might lack a certain spark or flair, while others focus entirely on academic performance. Academic performance and exam results might be your priority, which is perfectly reasonable. Still, we gently advise you to base your decision on what you believe your child will benefit from most.
During the application stage, you will be asked to list up to three or four schools in order of preference. Otherwise, you risk being offered a school at random, which could be the wrong environment for your child or be in an inconvenient location.
When will I find out which school my child has been offered?
All children’s primary school places will be confirmed by school admissions teams on or around the 16th April 2026. You’re likely to receive a confirmation email if you applied online or by post for paper applications.
You will then need to accept the offer by the deadline stated; otherwise, you risk losing your place.
What to do if you are not offered a place at your preferred school or if you are not happy
If you are not happy with the school choice offered, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can learn all about the appeal process here:
A final thought
As you prepare for your child’s exciting next step into primary school, remember you’re not alone. Many parents are navigating this transition alongside you. It’s natural to reflect on the wonderful memories and milestones reached so far. Rest assured, with your love and encouragement, your child is ready to confidently embrace the adventure of starting primary school.
