School admissions dates for September 2027

1. 31 October 2026Secondary applications close (Year 7)
2. 15 January 2027Primary applications close (Reception)
3. 1 March 2027National Offer Day, secondary
4. 16 April 2027National Offer Day, primary

You apply to your home local authority, even for schools in another area. 31 October 2026 is a Saturday, so check how your authority handles the deadline. Late applications are usually considered after on-time ones.

Selective (grammar) schools: register for the entrance test with the school first, usually by the summer before (dates vary by school), then apply through your council by the deadline.

How many families got their first choice last year, in every local authority.