Time to apply for your child’s school place for September 2027

25 August 2026

Parents and carers in North Northamptonshire will soon be able to apply for school places for the September 2027. 

The application portal opens on 10 September 2026. 

From this date, applications can be made for school places in Reception, Year 3 in junior schools, and Year 7 in secondary schools starting in September 2027.

Parents and carers can apply for a school place in Reception if their child will be four years of age on or before 31 August 2027. 

North Northamptonshire Council’s Parent Portal is a quick and easy way to make an application. It is necessary to register on the Parent Portal before using the service. Once registered, users can make and track applications at any time, from any device and receive updates securely.

The closing date for applications for places in Reception places and for Year 3 places in Junior schools is 15 January 2027, at midnight. The closing date for applications for Year 7 secondary school places is 31 October, at midnight.

All applications 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 after this date. 

All on time applicants will receive an offer of a school place on the relevant National Offer Day - Monday, 1 March 2027 for secondary school places (Year 7) and Friday, 16 April 2027 for Reception places and Year 3 school places in Junior schools. 

I would encourage all parents who are applying for a school place for September 2027 to submit their applications as soon as possible and before the deadlines. The Parent Portal makes it easy for parents and carers to apply for school places, and whilst most people are successful at securing a place at their preferred school, there are steps that parents can take to maximise their chances. Applying on time is the most important step, followed by nominating a second and third preference school and including your closest school as one of your preferences.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Children, Education and Families

If children are eligible, North Northamptonshire Council can provide assistance with school transport, including transport for children with special educational needs or disabilities. To check eligibility, visit the council’s School travel assistance webpage. 

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.

If parents or carers need support using the Parent Portal, they can email [email protected]