Parents in the UK are about to get the news about which primary school their kids are going to be attending.
Known as National Offer Day, anxious guardians will find out whether their kids will be heading to their preferred school in September.
Parts of the UK have different offer days, so be sure you know exactly which date applies to you and your children.
The application process also varies from place to place, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all system to get your head around. Details including dates can also vary between some councils.
As the big day approaches here’s what you need to know.
When are National Offer Days for primary schools?
In Wales, National Offer Day is April 19. This year that falls on a Tuesday.
Parents will have until Wednesday, May 4 2022 to officially accept or reject the offer made to their child.
Meanwhile, in England, letters are due to be sent out by local councils to parents and guardians on Monday, April 18, a deviation from the usual send-out day of April 16. This is because April 16 is a Saturday and so they are sent out on the next working day.
In Northern Ireland, parents can expect to find out about their options on Thursday, April 28. This will be done through an online portal where notifications of P1 applications will be found.
In Scotland no offers will be made, as local councils decide which school your child goes to rather than parents having the main say.
You can make a request if you are unhappy with the school your child is sent to, however success will be dependent on available places.
How are primary school offers made?
Across the UK, most applications close in January.
For Wales, the 2022 deadline passed on January 15 with applications made online.
Gov.uk has developed a navigation system online that allows parents to place their applications at their chosen school.
In England, applications are made to the local council, even if you are applying for a school in a different council area.
Applications can be made online or via a paper form with guardians asked to list the schools they would like to send their kids to in order of preference.
However, it is important to check exactly when application open days are held as they are different for each local council.
All applications closed on January 15.
You will need to apply before your child can start school either when they are three years old or recently turned four.
In Northern Ireland, you can apply for your child’s P1 place online, with application portals closed at 12pm on January 28 2022.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, some councils will send a letter to confirm your child has a place the year before they go to school.
In those councils that don’t, you will need to enrol them the year before they’re due to start.
