Reference · Deadlines
England’s school application and offer dates for September 2027
England’s national admissions guidance gives a 15 January deadline for primary applications and a 31 October deadline for secondary applications. For September 2027 entry, offers are on 16 April for primary and 1 March for secondary. Individual councils publish their own application, evidence and response calendars.
Sources checked
- 31 October 2026Standard secondary closing date in national guidance.
- 15 January 2027Standard primary closing date.
- 1 March 2027Secondary National Offer Day.
- 16 April 2027Primary National Offer Day.
Local timetables can have different opening, supporting evidence and response deadlines.
Apply through the local authority where you live
GOV.UK says to follow your own council’s application process even if the schools you list are in another council’s area. If you are applying from another country, contact the council for the area where you will live. A school linked to your child’s current school or nursery still needs an application. Source 1
The national timetable gives standard dates
The GOV.UK guide sets out the standard primary and secondary application deadlines. For the September 2027 intake the two National Offer Days are 1 March and 16 April. Kent’s calendar gives 2 November 2026 as its local secondary deadline. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
Evidence and offer responses can have separate dates
Cheshire East lists a primary supporting-document deadline on 26 February and a response deadline on 30 April. Hertfordshire requires responses to primary offers by 23 April. The difference is why the local calendar matters even where the offer date is shared. Source 2 Source 4
The council also publishes late application and appeal steps
Hertfordshire distinguishes late applications from those that can be considered on time for exceptional reasons. Cheshire East lists separate appeal deadlines after offer day. Use the council’s process for waiting lists or late applications. Source 2 Source 4