Important dates for infant, junior and primary school applications
When you need to apply, when school place offers are sent out and when children start school.
Important dates in 2025 and 2026
1 September 2025
The school application process starts. It's time to find out about schools in your area and apply for a school place.
15 January 2026
The deadline to apply for a school place is at 11:59pm.
8 March 2026
The deadline to apply late for a school place with a good reason. School applications are looked at and school places are decided.
April 2026
Applications are looked at and school places are decided.
16 April 2026
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 2026
The deadline to accept or refuse the school place offered. If you don't reply the offer could be removed.
15 May 2026
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.
July 2026
Appeals are discussed at appeal hearings. Children on waiting lists are offered school places as they become available
September 2026
Children start school.
View our school application guides for more information.