Parents applying for school places in England
School Application Deadlines and National Offer Day 2027
Applications for a September 2027 secondary school place in England close on 31 October 2026, and offers arrive on National Offer Day, Monday 1 March 2027. For primary places, applications close on 15 January 2027 and offers arrive on Friday 16 April 2027.
These are the dates for the normal admissions round in England. Apply through your home local authority and check its instructions, including any extra form or entrance-test registration required by a school.
The 2026 to 2027 admissions timetable
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Autumn term 2026 | School open evenings; check each school's admission criteria |
| 31 October 2026 | Secondary applications close (children currently in Year 6) |
| 15 January 2027 | Primary applications close (children starting reception) |
| Monday 1 March 2027 | National Offer Day: secondary offers released |
| Friday 16 April 2027 | Primary offers released |
Apply through the local authority where your child lives, including when you want a school in another area. If you are moving, ask the authority about address evidence and the appropriate process. Missing the normal deadline can reduce your choice; the authority’s scheme explains how it treats late applications.
Read the offer letter for the acceptance deadline, waiting-list arrangements and appeal process. An offer may be withdrawn if you do not accept it in time. Ask the council or school about any deadline you do not understand.
If you are home educating
A child moving from home education into the usual Year 7 intake uses the normal secondary admissions round. A move at another point, such as Year 8 or after the school year starts, normally needs an in-year application; ask the local authority which process applies.
Our guide to applying for a secondary place when home educating explains questions to ask. The Year 7 topic pages show examples of learning resources for that stage.
The 2028 cycle
The current annual deadlines are 31 October for secondary applications and 15 January for primary applications. Offer dates are normally 1 March and 16 April, moving to the next working day when necessary. Check your council’s published 2028 scheme before relying on a future date.
Sources, verification and updates
Sources checked on 9 October 2026: government application guidance.
- Updated 9 October 2026: distinguished the normal Year 7 round from in-year admissions and replaced the council-tax test with the child’s home local authority.
- Check the linked official guidance and your school or centre for later changes.
Frequently asked questions
What time do offers come out on National Offer Day 2027?
Check your council’s admissions page for how and when it will send offers on 1 March 2027. There is no single collection time in this guide; follow the council’s instructions and the acceptance deadline in the offer.
What happens if I miss the 31 October deadline?
Contact your local authority’s admissions team and submit an application under its late-application process. Missing the deadline can reduce your choice. Explain any relevant circumstances and ask how the local scheme treats them.
Are these dates the same across the UK?
No, they apply to England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own admissions systems with different timetables, so check the national guidance for the relevant nation.
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