When Do You Need to Apply for a Primary School Place? A Parent’s Guide

Applying for a primary school place can be confusing, especially since the deadlines don’t always align with the school year in an obvious way. If you’re unsure when and how to apply, this guide will walk you through the key steps.

When Does Your Child Start School?

In England, children must be in education from the term after their fifth birthday. However, most children start Reception in the September after they turn four.

This means:

• If your child’s birthday falls between 1 September and 31 August, they will usually start Reception in the September after their fourth birthday.

  
  

Parents do have some flexibility:

• You can defer your child’s start date until later in the school year (but not beyond the term after their fifth birthday).

• In some cases, parents of summer-born children (born between April and August) can request to delay entry by a full year, but this requires agreement from the school and local authority.

Most children start Reception in September, but it’s worth considering what works best for your child.

When Do You Need to Apply?

Primary school applications follow a national process with set deadlines each year:

📅 Applications open in the autumn (usually September or October) before your child is due to start school. 

📅 The deadline for applications is mid-January. 

📅 School places are allocated in mid-April (on National Offer Day).

If you apply after the deadline, your application will still be considered, but you may have fewer school options available as on-time applications are processed first.

How to Apply

You must apply through your local council, even if you are considering a school outside your area. Most councils have an online admissions portal, but paper applications are sometimes available.

What You’ll Need to Do:

✔️ List your preferred schools (the number of choices varies by local authority, usually between three and six). 

✔️ Rank them in order of preference. 

✔️ Check if any schools require additional forms (such as faith schools that may ask for evidence of religious practice). 

✔️ Submit your application before the January deadline.

💡 Tip: It’s always worth checking your local council’s website, as specific processes and deadlines may vary slightly.

Key Considerations When Choosing a School

When deciding which schools to list on your application, consider:

🏫 Catchment areas & admission criteria – Some schools have strict distance-based admission rules, while others prioritise siblings or faith-based admissions.

🧑‍🏫 School visits & open days – Seeing a school in action can give you a feel for its ethos, environment, and how well it aligns with your child’s needs.

📖 Flexible start options – If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for full-time school at four, check whether the school allows phased starts or deferred entry.

What If You’re Applying Late or Moving House?

• Moving after the application deadline? Contact your local council as soon as possible—some councils allow late address changes to be considered before places are allocated.

• Applying outside the normal round? If you move during the school year, you’ll need to apply for an in-year admission.

Final Thoughts

The key to a smooth application process is understanding the deadlines and applying on time. While it can feel overwhelming, planning ahead will help ensure your child gets the best possible start at a school that suits them.

📢 Next Steps: 

✅ Check your local council’s admissions website for specific details. 

✅ Visit potential schools to get a feel for their environment. 

✅ Submit your application before the January deadline to improve your chances of securing your preferred school.

If you want more information, including how to approach this process with clarity and confidence, I have designed a course specifically for parents like you! You can learn more and join here!