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School Admissions Timeline 2027/28— Key Dates & Deadlines

Applying for a school place can feel like navigating a maze of deadlines, forms and waiting. This guide lays out the national key dates for September 2027 entry for primary, secondary and nursery applications in England. Missing a deadline can mean your application is treated as late, significantly reducing your chances of securing a preferred school.

Secondary School Admissions

Secondary admissions are for children moving from Year 6 to Year 7 in September 2027.

  • Sep–Oct 2026 — Local applications open; school open days and selective-school tests may take place.
  • 31 October 2026 — DEADLINE: Secondary applications close.
  • 1 March 2027 — National Offer Day for secondary places (or the next working day if needed).
  • March 2027 — Accept the offer by the deadline in the council's letter or portal.
  • Spring–summer 2027 — Waiting lists and appeals operate under local timetables.
  • September 2027 — Children start Year 7.

Primary School Admissions

Primary admissions are for children starting Reception in September 2027.

  • Autumn 2026 — Local applications open; primary school open days may take place.
  • 15 January 2027 — DEADLINE: Primary applications close.
  • 16 April 2027 — National Offer Day for primary places (or the next working day if needed).
  • Spring–summer 2027 — Acceptances, waiting lists and appeals follow local timetables.
  • September 2027 — Children start Reception.

Nursery Admissions

Nursery admissions vary by local authority and provider. Most three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week (30 hours for eligible working parents). Some local authorities follow a coordinated timetable; others allow nurseries to manage their own admissions. Check your local authority's website or individual nursery for specific dates.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Late applications are processed after on-time applications. This means popular schools may already be full, and your child is more likely to be offered a school that was not on your preference list. If you have exceptional circumstances (such as a house move), contact your local authority immediately — they may consider your application on time.

Watch out: Even one day late can mean your application is treated as a late submission and processed after all on-time applications.

Understanding the Offers Process

When you list multiple schools in order of preference, the local authority applies each school's admissions criteria (usually distance, siblings, faith requirements) to all applicants. You receive an offer for the highest-preference school where your child qualifies. If you do not qualify for any listed school, you are offered the nearest school with available places.

Data limitation:Classpot shows historic admission distances only where an authority has published usable data. Most school profiles do not currently have a verified distance cutoff, so check the council's allocation information.

How to Appeal a Decision

If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you have the legal right to appeal. Appeals are heard by an independent panel. You should set out why the school is right for your child and why the impact of admitting one more pupil would not be unreasonable. For infant classes (Reception to Year 2), appeals can only succeed in limited circumstances because of the legal class size limit of 30.

Key Tips for Parents

  • Visit schools during open days — no amount of data replaces walking through a school.
  • Be realistic about admission distances: three years of data gives a more reliable picture than one.
  • List the maximum number of preferences allowed by your authority.
  • Include at least one school where you are very likely to be offered a place.
  • Check whether any schools require supplementary forms (faith schools, grammar schools).
  • Keep your address up to date with your local authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the primary deadline for September 2027 entry?

15 January 2027 for Reception entry in September 2027.

When is the secondary deadline for September 2027 entry?

31 October 2026 for Year 7 entry in September 2027.

How many schools can I list on my application?

This varies by local authority, typically between three and six. Always list the maximum number allowed.

What if I've just moved to the area?

Contact your local authority about in-year admissions. You can apply for a place at any school with availability. Classpot links to each authority's in-year application process.

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