Starting Reception in September 2025

Key dates

1 September 2024 - start of application process

15 January 2025 - closing date for on-time applications

16 April 2025 - Primary National Offer Day

30 April 2025 - deadline for response to offers

2 May 2025 - deadline for late applications to be considered for second round of offers

12 - 16 May 2025 - second round offers

Preparing to make your application

Before you start making your application

read our Primary admissions guide (PDF, 4.2 MB) to find out about Barnet schools and the admissions process; find primary schools in Barnet in the schools directory;
look at the school priority maps to see the catchment areas for Barnet community primary schools;
contact the schools you are interested in if you would like to arrange a visit;
use the guidance notes (PDF 291 KB) to help make your application;
you will need an email address to make your application;
you will need to provide proof of your address and your child’s date of birth so have your documents ready.

Apply for a reception school place

Delayed admission

If you are considering delaying your child's admission to school, you must still apply for a school place in their normal year group.

Read about Deferred entry to Reception for more information on the options available to you.

Your address

You must use your child's permanent address.

Do not use the address of a relative or someone who provides temporary care for your child, a business address or a childminder's address.

A temporary address will not be accepted if you still own a property that was previously used as a home address.

Providing false information to secure a school place is a criminal act.

Please check our Primary admissions guide (PDF, 4.2 MB) for more information about how we determine your home address.

School preferences

When selecting your school preferences, please note that

you can apply for up to 6 schools;
you must list the schools in the order you prefer them;
we recommend you include your local school;
you can include schools outside Barnet;
you should check how places were offered this year (PDF, 177KB) to get an idea as to which schools are likely to offer your child a place.

Evidence to support your application

Proof of address

Put your council tax number on the application form and upload a copy of one of the following:

tax credit documentation;
a recent bank statement showing Child Benefit payments;
utility bill dated within the last 3 months;
your most recent rent, mortgage statement or tenancy agreement.

If you don’t have a council tax number you must upload two documents from the proof of address list.

Child's date of birth

You will need to provide a copy of your child's short birth certificate or a copy of their passport photo page.

Faith, foundation and academy school applications

Faith schools, some foundation schools and academies will ask you to complete a supplementary information form (SIF) or Certificate of Religious Practice (CRP). These can be downloaded from school websites and should be returned to the school you are applying to.

Evidence needed for exceptional social or medical reasons

Not all schools give priority on exceptional medical or social grounds. If you select a school that gives you the option to claim exceptional medical or social priority and you wish to be considered under one of these criteria, you will need to demonstrate a specific connection between your child's needs and the school. You will be asked to provide a written statement from a doctor, social worker or other independent qualified professional.

If you are applying for a priority place at a Barnet community primary school you must also complete the Medical-Social Circumstances Form (PDF 0.2MB)

Looked after children and previously looked after children

You will have to provide evidence of the child's looked after status. This is normally a letter from the social worker.

For previously looked after children, you must provide one of documents listed below, as well as a document or letter confirming your child was previously in care:

child arrangements order;
special guardianship order;
proof of adoption.

Please make sure you submit all relevant supporting information for a priority claim, by 15 January 2025. Any evidence submitted after this date will not be considered until after 16 April 2025, National Offer Day. Providing evidence to support your application does not guarantee priority for a school place.

Contact

School admissions
2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale
NW9 4EW

Telephone: 020 8359 7651

Enquiries: Contact us online