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Essential Guide to Starting School - Applying for Reception 2024

The information on this page is about children starting primary school in September 2024.

Children start reception class in September 2024 if they were born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020. To apply you will need to complete an application form. 

Please read the information on this page and then use the apply button found at the end:

Information on how to apply for a primary school place and details of school admission arrangements for each school can also be viewed in our guide to primary schools 2023-24

Applications for an immediate school place

If you need an immediate primary school place for the current academic year, please complete the in-year application form.

Applications from families arriving from abroad, including the EU

In most cases, children arriving from overseas have the right to attend schools in England. It is the responsibility of parents to check whether their child has a right, under their visa entry conditions, to study at a school before submitting an application. 

View more information about applications for families arriving from abroad on the Government website

Applications for a faith school place

If you are applying to a faith school/academy, and would like to apply as a faith applicant you will need to fill in a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it directly to the school before the closing date. For some schools you will also need to complete a Priest Reference form for more information see the school admission arrangements page.

Apply

To submit an application for a primary school place starting in September 2024 follow the information below:

Apply for a primary school place

Important dates

Below are some important dates for primary school applications.

Date Event
1 September 2023 Application for primary school opens
15 January 2024 Closing date for applications
16 April 2024 Receive outcome of application
30 April 2024 Deadline for acceptance or decline of offer
15 May 2024 Closing date for receipt of appeals. Appeals will be heard in the summer term