Admissions Reception 2027

For a Reception place starting in September 2027, apply to your local council by Friday 15 January 2027. Offers are sent on Friday 16 April 2027. This covers children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, who are 3 or have just turned 4 when you apply. The dates are set nationally and apply to every council in England

When do I apply for my child’s primary school place?

You apply in the school year before your child starts Reception. The deadline and offer day are the same everywhere, however the opening dates vary:
Leeds council admissions open on 1 November 2026
Bradford council admissions open on 16 November 2026

How to apply:

Apply to your home council, meaning the council where your child lives. Do this even if the school is in another area. Most councils use an online form, and you can ask for a paper one.
List your preferred schools in your order of preference.
Apply by 15 January 2027 and keep your confirmation.

If you miss the deadline:

Submit a late application as soon as you can. Councils usually consider late applications only after all on-time ones, so popular schools may already be full. Each council publishes its own late application rules, so check yours before you apply:

Contact Bradford Admissions Team: primaryadmissions@bradford.gov.uk
Contact Leeds Admissions Team: startingprimary@leeds.gov.uk

Timetable of important dates from Bradford Council: