Applying for a Primary School Place
If your child's 4th birthday is between on, or after 1st September 2026 and on or before 31st August 2027, here are some key things you need to know:
- Apply for a school place through your local authority, even if the school you would like is in a different area.
- Applications for Reception places usually open in September and close on 15th January 2027.
- You can list several schools on your application. Make sure you put them in your true order of preference.
- Choosing only one school does not improve your chances of being offered a place there.
- School places are allocated according to each school's admissions policy which may include factors such as catchment area, siblings already at the school, or faith-based criteria.
- Parents are usually informed of their child's school place on 16th April.
- If you are not offered your preferred school, you may be able to join a waiting list or appeal the decision.
For full information and to apply, please visit the GOV.UK school admissions website or contact your local authority. Links to neighbouring local authorities can be found below.
Primary application, Northamptonshire
Primary application, Cambridgeshire
Primary application, Lincolnshire
Applications for Year 7 places must be completed by 31st October 2026.
Secondary application, Northamptonshire
Secondary application, Cambridgeshire
Secondary application, Rutland
Secondary application, Lincolnshire
