Reception and Infant to Junior school applications for September 2026 entry
Reception: children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 should start Reception in September 2026.
Junior school: children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 who are currently in an infant-only school should start Year 3 at a junior school in September 2026.
Application dates
Applications for a primary school place in Reception or Infant to Junior school place (Year 3 only) for September 2026 are open to Slough residents between 1 September 2025 to 15 January 2026.
Important: parents must apply to the local authority of their child’s only or main residence (where they pay council tax for the property they and their child live in), even if they wish to list schools in other areas.
Check if your home address is in Slough by using GOV.UK’s Find your local council page.
Key primary school admission dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2025 | Online applications open |
| 15 January 2026 | National deadline to submit your child’s application |
| 16 April 2026 | National offer day for timely applicants |
Before you apply
- Read the Primary School Admissions Booklet 2026/27.
- Attend school open days or evenings at the schools you are interested in and check each school’s website for dates and times.
- Read the admission criteria for the schools you choose to understand how your child’s application will be considered, check each school’s website for details.
- Check if you need a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to meet certain admission criterias for a preferred school. Some schools, such as faith schools, require a SIF in addition to Slough Borough Council’s Common Application Form (online application). Return the completed SIFs directly to the relevant school(s).
- Consider how your child will travel to school each day.