When do I apply for primary school?
Primary school applications for a September start usually open in the autumn of the previous year, with a national deadline in mid-January and offers in mid-April. Exact dates are set by your local authority each year, so always confirm them.
The typical timeline
Applications open in autumn, close mid-January, and offers are made on national offer day in April. Late applications are usually considered after on-time ones.
Listing preferences
You can normally name several schools in order of preference. Listing realistic options alongside your first choice protects you without reducing your chances at your top school.
Featured guides
Understanding catchment areas
How catchment areas and oversubscription criteria work, why they change, and how to check them before you apply or move.
Applying for primary school places
The primary school application timeline — when to apply, how places are offered and what to do if you need to appeal.
Understanding Ofsted reports
What Ofsted ratings mean, how to read a full report, and how families use it alongside results and community insights.
Questions families ask
When do I apply for primary school?
Primary school applications for a September start usually open in the autumn of the previous year, with a national deadline in mid-January and offers in mid-April. Exact dates are set by your local authority each year, so always confirm them.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Late applications are usually processed after on-time applications, which can reduce your chances at popular schools. Apply on time and contact your local authority if circumstances change.
When is secondary school application different?
Secondary applications usually close at the end of October with offers in March. Check your local authority for exact dates.
Related categories
Keep researching
Fammove educates, it does not recommend. We explain how families research schools using official data and anonymised community insights — this is information, not rankings or advice. We never fabricate statistics; always check the official source linked from each school.