Reception applications close on 15 January: last checks before you submit

Key takeaways

• →Reception applications for September 2027 close on Friday 15 January 2027. Offers come on Friday 16 April 2027.
• →In 2026, 92.4% of children in England got their first-preference primary school, but only 85.0% in Inner London.
• →Late applications are usually only looked at after every on-time application has been given a place.
• →Missed the UCAS deadline on 13 January? Students can still apply as a late applicant until 30 June 2027.

1. Why this week

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, they usually start Reception in September 2027. You apply through your home council, even if the school is in another borough, and the deadline is Friday 15 January 2027.^[2]

If you have already applied, well done: use the checks below to make sure everything went through. If you haven’t, there is still time, and an on-time application is the single most useful thing you can do.

2. First choice is harder in London

In 2026, 92.4% of primary applicants in England were offered their first-preference school. In London it was lower: 90.0% in Outer London and 85.0% in Inner London. So in Inner London, about 3 children in 20 did not get their first choice.^[1]

London councils usually let you list up to six schools, more than most of the country. The government’s figures show that 98.7% of children in England were offered one of the schools their family listed. Using all your choices well matters.^[1]

None of this is a reason to panic. It is a reason to apply on time and to make every choice count, including at least one school you are likely to be offered.

3. Why on time matters

Applications that arrive after 15 January are treated as late. Councils such as Lambeth say late preferences are only considered after every on-time preference has been allocated, so the chance of a place at a preferred school may be much lower.^[2]

If something is holding you back, such as a house move or not having visited every school, it is usually better to apply on time with the information you have. Each council’s admissions brochure explains how to tell them about changes, and what to do if you move.

On time keeps every option open. Late usually means last in line.

4. Four checks before you submit

Ten quiet minutes this evening is usually enough.

Not sure how a school decides?: Each school publishes its admissions criteria, such as siblings and distance. Your council’s primary admissions brochure lists them.

5. Also this week: missed the UCAS deadline?

The UCAS deadline for equal consideration was 6pm on Wednesday 13 January 2027. If your older child missed it, it isn’t the end of the road. Students can still apply as a late applicant until 30 June 2027. Universities don’t have to consider late applications in the same way, but many popular courses still have places. Clearing opens on 2 July 2027.^[3]

6. The key dates

Put these in your calendar now.^[2]

Thinking ahead?: Brainhub Tutoring supports children from the early years of primary school upwards, online or in person. Book a free call to talk about how your child is getting on.

1. 1. When do Reception applications for September 2027 close?

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2. 2. What share of Inner London children got their first-preference primary school in 2026?

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3. 3. What usually happens to a late Reception application?

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Your next steps

• Check your application went through and save the confirmation.
• Make sure you have used your choices well.
• Put 16 April, National Offer Day, in your calendar.

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