Joining Reception
Children can start Reception in the September following their 4th birthday.
If your child attends a Merton School Nursery you will be provided with information at the correct time. If your child does not attend a Merton School Nursery, please return to this website the September after your child's 3rd birthday to make an online application.
The application process for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 begins on 1 September 2026. If your child was born between these dates, please read the following information carefully and ensure you have submitted your online application by 15 January 2027.
We urge all parents to read through the starting primary school information online. If you are unable to do this, you can download the Starting Reception 2027 application booklet.
Applying for a Reception place starting in September 2027 Key dates:
The key dates for the Reception process can be found in the following table.
- Please ensure that you meet the date for submitting your online application.
- Submitting a late application could seriously jeopardise your chances of being offered a place at one of your preferred schools.
- You must apply for a Reception place even if your child currently attends the nursery at a school. If your child currently attends our nursery, they will be considered a priority for applications.
- Schools cannot guarantee places for children who are in their nursery, and your request to be considered for that school cannot be considered unless you submit a Reception application.
| September to December 2026 | Parents can contact primary schools to arrange visits. |
|---|---|
| 15 January 2027 | Closing date for receipt of online applications. Common Application Forms should be returned to your first preference school, if this is a Merton school. If your first preference school is not a Merton school, forms should be returned to School Admissions. All supplementary forms should be sent directly to the relevant schools by this date. |
| 11 February 2027 | Closing date for applications from people moving into the borough or changing address after 15 January 2027. |
| By 8 March 2027 | Applications are ranked according to admissions criteria. |
| 16 April 2027 | Offer day, letters are posted to applicants who applied using a paper form. Parents who applied online will be able to view the outcome of their application from the evening of 16 April 2027. |
| 30 April 2027 | Deadline for parents to respond to offers |
| June to July 2027 | Admission appeals. |
| September 2027 | Children start school in Reception. |
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