Reception Places for September 2027

Who applies for September 2027

Children born 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023

Most children start Reception full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. Barnet Council confirms that children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 need a Reception application for September 2027. You apply a year before your child starts, so your child will be 3 or have just turned 4 when you apply.

You apply through the council where you live, even if the schools you want are in another borough. In practice, that means Enfield residents apply to Enfield Council and Barnet residents to Barnet Council, and you can name schools on either side of the border. You list schools in order of preference; Barnet allows up to six, and GOV.UK notes that listing only one school does not improve your chances of getting it.

Key dates for September 2027

As published by Barnet Council (check its page for any updates)

The two dates that matter most are set nationally. Under the School Admissions Code, the closing date for primary applications is 15 January, and primary National Offer Day is 16 April (or the next working day). They apply to every council in England, including Enfield.

The other dates in the table (late applications, acceptances, second-round offers and appeals) are Barnet's local dates. Enfield residents should check Enfield Council's school admissions pages for Enfield's own dates for these steps rather than rely on Barnet's.

Before you apply

What councils ask for

• Use your child's permanent address. Barnet asks for two proofs of address and a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport photo page.
• Faith schools, some foundation schools and academies may ask for a supplementary information form, returned to the school itself.
• If you are asking for priority on medical or social grounds, Barnet needs all supporting evidence uploaded by 15 January.
• Check each school's admission criteria. GOV.UK says your local council can tell you the criteria for schools in your area.

Summer-born children and later starts

Apply on time, even if you plan to wait

The School Admissions Code defines summer-born children as those born between 1 April and 31 August. Your child does not have to start in September: they can start part-time, part-way through the year, or in the September after they turn 5. Either way, GOV.UK says you must still apply at the same time as everyone else and ask for the later start in your application. Barnet gives the same advice.

If your child starts in the September after turning 5, they normally go into Year 1. You can ask the council or school for a Reception place instead, but they do not have to agree. Our guide to summer-born children and deferring Reception explains the options.

Independent schools run alongside

A separate application, made directly

Council applications cover state-funded schools only. For a place at a private (independent) school, GOV.UK advises contacting the school directly. Each independent school runs its own process, so ask every school on your shortlist how and when to apply.

At Vita et Pax, you apply to us directly. Children who join our Reception class at 4 can stay with us until 11 without reapplying along the way. Our admissions pages and Nursery and Reception admissions page explain how to register and visit. You can make a council application as well if you want to keep a state school option open.

Frequently asked questions

Looking at nursery first? See our guide to funded nursery hours from September 2027.