How to apply for primary school place and when parents hear back
As of September 1 this year, you can apply for a primary school place for the 2025-26 academic year. It’s a competitive and stressful process with parents biting their nails as they wait to hear back.
Parents have until January 15 next year (2025) to log their applications. Late applicants are warned that they are less likely to get their chosen place.
Kids can join reception in the September after they turn four. Parents are legally required to ensure their kids are in suitable full-time education at the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. Find out more below.
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How to apply
To apply you need to begin on the government’s website here . You then type your postcode in - MyLondon has used an address in Southwark, South London - and you will be redirected to your council’s website.
This then requires to you to click the eAdmissions likn and you follow the steps to complete your application.
When will I hear back?
Parents will find out if their applications have been successful on Wednesday, April 16 2025. You must accept the offer by the deadline given in the offer letter. Otherwise, it may be withdrawn and the place given to someone else.
Councils are obliged to provide you with a place at a school. If your child has not been given a spot at a school you’ve applied for, then the place given is usually at your nearest school.
The decision will be sent by the local council by either letter or email. Some councils allow parents to view their results through the admissions portal or system. Exactly what time the offers will be released varies by council.
How likely am I to get my first choice?
In 2023, 92.5 per cent of families received an offer from their first choice with 98.3 per cent receiving an offer from one of their top three choices.
If you’re not offered your first-choice school, you can appeal the decision. However, even if you're appealing a decision, it is recommended that you accept the offer your child did receive so that they have a school place if the appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting another offer won’t affect your appeal or limit other options available to you.
How are places allocated?
Schools have differing criteria to decide who gets a place. However, there are a few factors schools may use to give priority spots.
They are:
who live close to the school
who have a brother or sister at the school already
from a particular religion (for faith schools)
who are eligible for the pupil premium
whose parent has worked at the school for two years or more
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