Applying for primary school
When do I need to apply?
To start the process, visit your local authority website if you live in England or Wales, or www.eani.org.uk if you live in Northern Ireland. This will give you access to all the relevant information.
To register your child at an independent or preparatory school, contact that school directly.
When do I need to apply?
Most children start school in the September after their fourth birthday, but you need to start thinking about the application process around 12 months earlier. This table gives you an overview of each nation, but it can vary so do contact your local authority.
Applications open |
Applications close |
|
England |
November |
January |
Wales |
November |
January |
Northern Ireland |
January |
January |
Are all state schools the same?
No, although most teach the same National Curriculum or Northern Ireland Curriculum. You can find out more about the different types of state schools in our About Schools section.
How many schools should I apply to?
Follow the guidance for your region. Applying to only one school won’t mean you are more likely to get that choice — exactly the opposite in fact. It could result in you ending up with somewhere you’d never even considered.
Region | How many schools should I apply to? |
England | Three schools, in order of preference |
Wales | See local guidance but usually a shortlist of three is ideal |
Northern Ireland | At least four and up to six schools, in order of preference |
Why should I put my schools in order of preference?
The schools don’t know where they appear on your list, only that you have applied to them. Your application will be scored against the entry criteria of each school you apply to and if you meet the criteria for more than one school, you’ll be offered a place at the one that appears highest on your list.
What if my child is summer born?
England and Wales
Although most children start school in the September after their fourth birthday, if your child was born between 1st April and 31st August, they can start school in the September after they turn five.
If you are considering delaying their start you must still follow the timetable for school applications as you would if your child was starting in the September after their fourth birthday.
See this Government guidance for more information and support.
Northern Ireland
Most children who have reached the age of four on or before 1st July start school in the September of that year. However, if your child was (or was due to be) born on or after 1st April, they can start in the following September.
Apply for the year your child will actually be starting school, not the year they turn four.
See this Education Authority NI guidance for more information.
Can I apply for a place at a different school part way through the year?
This will depend on your local authority’s procedures. You can find your local council here.