Essential Guide to Starting School - Applying for Reception 2025
The information on this page is about children starting primary school in September 2025
Children start reception class in September 2025 if they were born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021. To apply you will need to complete an application form.
Please read the information on this page and then use the apply button found at the end:
Information on how to apply for a primary school place and details of school admission arrangements for each school can also be viewed in our guide to primary schools 2025-26.
Applications for an immediate school place
If you need an immediate primary school place for the current academic year, please complete the in-year application form.
Applications from families arriving from abroad, including the EU
In most cases, children arriving from overseas have the right to attend schools in England. It is the responsibility of parents to check whether their child has a right, under their visa entry conditions, to study at a school before submitting an application.
View more information about applications for families arriving from abroad on the Government website.
Applications for a faith school place
If you are applying to a faith school/academy, and would like to apply as a faith applicant you will need to fill in a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it directly to the school before the closing date. For some schools you will also need to complete a Priest Reference form for more information see the school admission arrangements page.
Apply
To submit an application for a primary school place starting in September 2025 follow the information below:
- You can choose up to six schools for your child to attend - see your nearest primary schools on a map
- To help you to choose a school you can see how primary school places were allocated in previous years
- If you do not pay Council Tax in Harrow you will need to provide documents to confirm your address
- If you live in a borough outside of Harrow you will need to make an application with your local council
Apply for a primary school place
Important dates
Below are some important dates for primary school applications.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2024 | Application for primary school opens |
| 15 January 2025 | Closing date for applications |
| 16 April 2025 | Receive outcome of application |
| 30 April 2025 | Deadline for acceptance or decline of offer |
| 15 May 2025 | Closing date for receipt of appeals. Appeals will be heard in the summer term |