Applying for Reception class place for September 2026
If your child was born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022, they will start reception class at the start on the new school year in September 2026.
Before applying for a Reception class place, parents must read the following booklet as it contains important information about the application process.
How to apply
The closing date for applications was 15 January 2026 and the online application service is now closed.
If you have not yet applied for a primary school place, or you wish to change your mind about the preferences or the order of preferences, you must complete a late application form.
Late applications and late changes of preference will only be looked at after we have dealt with the applications received before the closing date.
Please do not use this form to apply for a school transfer. Please view the Moving Schools webpage to apply for a school transfer.
Moving address
If you move house please tell us immediately, you will need to provide documentary proof of your new address e.g. exchange of contacts or tenancy agreement.
If you move house after the closing date for applications, we cannot use your new address to process your application form. We must use your permanent address on the closing date for applications. Once your new address has been confirmed it will be taken into account when operating waiting lists.
Church schools
If you are naming a voluntary aided (Church) school as a preference on your application, we strongly recommend that you complete and submit the school’s supplementary information form alongside your application form. The school governors will need this extra information so that they can consider your application against their faith criteria.
Supplementary information forms can be downloaded from the school’s website, or you can request one from the school office.
Supplementary forms must be returned to the relevant school before the closing date for application, 15 January 2026. If you have sent any forms by post, it is your responsibility to check they have been received.
Finding out your school place offer
National offer day 16 April or the next working day if this date falls over a weekend or bank holiday. For 2026 national offer day is 16 April 2026.
If you have applied online before the closing date, you will receive an email from 9:00am on offer day. Emails will be sent to the email address which you provided on the online application form. Online applicants will also be able to view their allocation by logging onto the citizen portal on offer day.
If you applied using a paper application, you will receive a letter. Letters will be sent out by first class post on offer day.
If you have applied after the closing date your application will be classed as late. We will only look at late applications and late changes of preference after we have dealt with the applications we have received on time. This means that you are less likely to get a place at the school you want.
Late applications received before the 16th April 2026 will be notified of the outcome by letter from May 2026.
Delayed entry to primary school
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