Starting reception in 2027? The dates to put in your diary

Applications in England close on 15 January. Here’s what happens before and after.

Tom ReidEducation writer, dad of one

22 October 20261 min read

On this page 2 sections

The key dates
Use all your choices

In short

Apply through your local council, not the school.
Applications in England close on 15 January 2027.
Offers arrive on 16 April 2027.

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, they start reception in September 2027. In England, you apply through your local council, not the school.

The key dates

Now to December: visit schools. Most run open mornings this term.
15 January 2027: applications close.
16 April 2027: national offer day.
Shortly after: accept your place by your council’s deadline.

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Use all your choices

You can usually list several schools in order of preference. Listing only one does not increase your chances of getting it. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run different systems, so check your council’s site.

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Tom Reid

Tom covers school admissions, learning and screens. He reads the council small print so you don’t have to.

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