Applying for a reception place (Year R)

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, they will be eligible to start school in the school year beginning September 2027

Preparation for making an application
Apply for a school place
Receiving the outcome of your application

The national notification date for on-time applicants is 16 April 2027

You will be sent an e-mail confirming the outcome of your application on the notification date. Online applicants can also log into the online system to view the outcome.

If you did not provide an email address with your application, you will be sent a letter on the notification date by post. Please allow 2 to 3 working days for your letter to arrive.

What happens next

To accept the place that you have been offered, you must provide the school with evidence of the address provided on your application form and of your child’s date of birth before the child starts school.

You will be asked to provide two of the following as evidence of address:

  • a recent household bill, for example a gas, electricity, water, or Council Tax bill
  • a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or store card statement

And if you have moved house:

  • a solicitor’s letter confirming that exchange of contracts has taken place, or a signed tenancy agreement

If you are not offered a place at your preferred school, your child will be added to the waiting list. You will also have a right of appeal against the refusal.

Further information and guidance
Contact us