Important dates for school applications
When you need to apply, when school offers are sent out and when children start school.
Application deadlines
Apply by:
- 15 January 2027, if you're applying to start infant or primary (reception) or junior (year 3) in September
- 31 October 2026, if you're applying to start secondary school (year 7) in September
Below you can find other important dates that take place during the application process.
Important dates for infant, junior and primary school applications
1 September 2026
The school application process starts. It's time to find out about schools in your area and apply for a school place.
15 January 2027
The deadline to apply for a school place is at 11:59pm.
8 March 2027
The deadline to apply late for a school place with a good reason. School applications are looked at, and school places are decided.
April 2027
Applications are looked at, and school places are decided.
16 April 2027
National Offer Day.
If you applied online or gave an email address, you'll get an email from us to let you know which school has offered you a place. If you applied by post and don't have an email address, we'll send a letter to you by first-class post.
You can also find out how school places are offered.
30 April 2027
The deadline to accept or refuse the school place offered. If you don't reply, the offer could be removed.
17 May 2027
Deadline to make an appeal if your child wasn't offered a place at one of the schools you listed as the first, second or third preference.
June 2027
Parents can make a second or revised application listing different preferences.
July 2027
Second applications are processed.
Appeals are discussed at appeal hearings. Children on waiting lists are offered school places as they become available
September 2027
Children start school.
View our school application guides for more information.
Important dates for secondary school applications
1 September 2026
The school application process starts. It's time to find out about schools in your area and apply for a school place.
31 October 2026
The deadline to apply for a school place is 11:59pm. We strongly recommend that you do not delay your application until the last minute in case of technical problems. If you choose to apply on a paper form, it's your responsibility to ensure that the form arrives at its destination on time.
22 January 2027
Applications received late with good reason up to this date will be considered on time. You must provide independent supporting evidence of a good reason or your application will be treated as late.
February 2027
Applications are analysed.
1 March 2027
National Offer Day.
If you applied online or provided an email address on your application form, we’ll notify you by email of the outcome of your application.
If you applied online, you will also be able to log into your account to check your school allocation on National Offer Day, without needing to wait for the email. We’ll send letters by first-class post on this day to notify other parents or carers of the outcome of their application. No decisions will be given by phone.
March 2027
Waiting lists are established.
14 March 2027
Closing date for parents or carers to either accept or refuse the school place offered. If you do not reply, the offer may be withdrawn.
12 April 2027
Deadline to make an appeal if your child wasn't offered a place at one of the schools you listed as the first, second or third preference.
April 2027 onwards
Appeals are discussed and decided at meetings called appeal hearings. Children in the reallocation pool are offered school places as they become available.
June 2027
Parents can make a second or revised application listing different preferences.
July 2027
Second applications are processed.
September 2027
Children start their new school.
View our school application guides for more information.