Primary School Admissions 2026: Everything You Need to Know

If your child turns 4 between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, you need to apply for a Reception place for September 2026 entry. Here is your complete guide.

Key Dates

• September 2025 — Applications open. Start researching schools now.
• 15 January 2026 — National deadline for on-time applications.
• 16 April 2026 — National Offer Day. You receive your allocated school.
• May 2026 — Deadline to accept or decline your offer.

How Places Are Allocated

When a school receives more applications than it has places, it uses oversubscription criteria to decide who gets a place. The most common criteria are:

1. Looked-after children (highest priority)
2. Siblings already at the school
3. Distance from home to school (usually straight-line or walking distance)
4. Faith criteria (for faith schools — may require a supplementary form)

Understanding Catchment Distances

The "last distance offered" tells you how far from the school the furthest admitted child lived in the previous year. If you live further away than this distance, you are unlikely to get a place.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when shortlisting schools:

• Ofsted rating — but remember, a "Good" school may suit your child better than an "Outstanding" school further away
• SATs results — look at the percentage meeting expected standard in reading, writing and maths
• School size and class sizes — smaller schools offer more individual attention
• Distance — a shorter commute means more time for play and activities
• Before/after school clubs — important for working parents

Tips for a Strong Application

• Always use all your preference slots — leaving them blank does not increase your chances for your top choice
• Include at least one "safe" school you are confident of getting into
• Apply on time — late applications go to the bottom of the pile
• If applying to a faith school, check whether you need a supplementary information form