School Admission Deadlines 2026/2027: Every Date You Need

These dates apply to all state schools in England for entry in September 2027:

Secondary school (Year 7):

• Applications open: September 2026
• Deadline: 31 October 2026
• National offer day: 1 March 2027

Primary school (Reception):

• Applications open: November 2026
• Deadline: 15 January 2027
• National offer day: 16 April 2027

Nursery:

• Varies by local authority: check with your council
• Many nurseries accept applications year-round

Sixth Form:

• Most sixth forms have their own deadlines: typically December–February
• Check individual school websites for exact dates

Grammar school entrance tests are sat BEFORE the main application deadline:

• Kent Test: mid-September 2026 (register by July)
• Buckinghamshire: September 2026
• GL Assessment areas: varies by school, typically September–October
• CEM areas: varies

Results come in October, before you submit your secondary application. Use PickMySchool's Deadline Dashboard to track all key dates with countdown timers and reminders.

You must accept or decline your offer by the date specified in your offer letter (usually 2–3 weeks after offer day).

If you didn't get your first choice:

• You are automatically added to waiting lists for higher-preference schools
• You can appeal: see our Appeals Guide
• Late applications are processed through the normal criteria
• In-year applications (during the school year) go directly to the school or council

PickMySchool's Deadline Dashboard shows all upcoming deadlines with countdown timers. You can set reminders so nothing slips through the cracks.

Late applications are processed AFTER all on-time applications. This is a significant disadvantage. Set your deadlines now.