Admissions

Starting primary school

Most children start primary school the September after they turn 4. You can choose for your child to start primary school later, but they must be in full-time education by the September after they turn 5. To find out more about when your child can or must start school, read the starting school guidance (opens in a new tab) .

Starting primary school in September 2027

Children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 should start primary school in September 2027. You must apply for your child to get a place in reception.

The application window for starting primary school in September 2027 will open in summer 2026. You’ll need to apply for a place by 15 January 2027. You can do this by following your local council’s primary school application process.

Admissions policies
Visit the school's website for more information on admissions policies (opens in a new tab)
Applying for a school place
Visit the local council's website for more information on applying for a school place (opens in a new tab)

Starting primary school in September 2026

Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 should start primary school in September 2026. Applications for starting primary school in September 2026 closed on 15 January 2026.

If you missed the application deadline, you can still apply for a school place. You can do this by following your local council’s primary school application process.

If you apply for a school place after the application deadline, your child may be less likely to be offered a place at your preferred school. 

Starting primary school in September 2028

Children born between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024 should start primary school in September 2028. The application window for starting primary school in September 2028 will open in summer 2027. You’ll need to apply for a place by 15 January 2028.

Schools must publish their policies for starting school in September 2028 by March 2027. 

Moving schools during the school year

Moving schools during the school year

If your child is joining a school after the school year has started in September, you’ll need to make an in-year application.

Depending on the school you’re applying for, you’ll either need to: 

  • make an in-year application through your local council 
  • apply directly to the school 

You can find information on which schools you’ll need to apply directly to on your local council’s website.  

View Worcestershire County Council’s in-year application process (opens in a new tab)

More information on primary school admissions

Find out more about school admissions policies

All schools have admissions policies that explain how school places are allocated. These policies are either set by the local council or the school.  

Admissions policies are different for every school. As part of their admissions policies, some schools may give priority to children who live in a designated catchment area, but they do not have to.

Schools do not have to have catchment areas. Some schools may use distance from the school instead.

Find out more about school admission criteria (opens in a new tab)

Further details about admissions policies can be found on the school’s website or on the council’s website.

Further information schools may ask for

Some schools, for example faith schools, may require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to be submitted as part of the school application process. SIFs request additional information and are used to determine whether a child meets the school’s admission criteria.