It’s time to apply for your child’s school place for September 2024

School admissions

11 September 2023

Parents and carers are now able to apply for a reception place in a primary or infant school, a Year 3 place in a junior school, or a Year 7 place in a secondary school for the September 2024 intake. 

Parents must apply before the closing dates for their applications to be considered as on time.

Parents and carers can apply for a place in reception if their child will be four years of age on or before 31 August 2024. The closing date for applications for places in reception and Year 3 (junior school) is Monday 15 January 2024 at midnight.

The closing date for applications for Year 7 places is Tuesday 31 October 2023 at midnight

All applications, whether postal or online, must be received by the closing date to be considered as on time. Late applications will not be processed until after the National Offer Day; they will be processed in monthly rounds.

All on time applicants will receive an offer of a school place on the National Offer Days - Friday 1 March 2024 for secondary places and Tuesday 16 April 2024 for reception places. Applicants will then be provided with information on the next stage of the process. 

There is a separate application process for children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, details of which can be found on the SEND admissions page.

I would encourage all parents who are applying for a school place for September 2024 to make sure they submit their applications as soon as possible and before the deadlines given.

The process in place allows families to tell us which schools they would prefer to send their children to. Whilst most people are successful at securing a place at their preferred school, there are steps that parents can take to maximise their chances. Submitting an application form on time is the most crucial step, followed by nominating a second and third preference school and including your closest school as one of your preferences.
Cllr Scott Edwards, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills
Starting or changing school is a big step for everyone and we hope that the process in place makes the application process as smooth as possible.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

An independent admission appeals process  is available for families who wish to appeal against refusal of a place at any school for which they have applied. 

You can find out more about applying for a school place in North Northamptonshire and how to submit an application online.