Apply for a reception place

Before you apply

You must read the relevant documents and the parent booklet before you apply.

When to apply

Applications for reception places will open on 3 September 2025 and close on 15 January 2026.

School places are not offered based on how early you apply, so if you submit your application form before the closing date it will be processed on-time. It doesn't matter if it is submitted on the day the application process opens or the last day before the closing date, it will still be processed.

If your child attends a nursery school that's attached to your preferred school, it does not guarantee a reception place - you still need to apply for a school place.

If you live in Westmorland and Furness and your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, they will be due to start school in the Reception year group in September 2026.  You must apply to us for a place.

If you live outside of the Westmorland and Furness area

If you live outside Westmorland and Furness, you need to apply through your own Local Authority, even if you want to apply for a place in a Westmorland and Furness school.  You must confirm that you have read the booklet and provided accurate information before submitting your application.

Find out more about applying from outside of Westmorland and Furness

For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Find out what to do if your child has an educational, health and care (EHC) plan. 

Apply for a reception place

Before you apply for a school place, please read through the Starting School in Westmorland and Furness booklet (PDF , 1MB) . 

If you need a printed copy of the booklet, please contact the School Admissions and Appeals Team.

You can apply through the Citizen Portal or by submitting a paper application form. You cannot apply by telephone.

We strongly recommend that you name three different preferences of school that you would be happy for your child to attend because we cannot guarantee that you will get your first preference.

Apply through the Citizen Portal

If you can't apply online

You can request an application form from us.

School Admissions Team
Email: school.admissions@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 303 8144

When you will receive an outcome

We will email you the outcome of your application on 16 April (or the next working day) if you apply online, or post a letter to you on this date if you apply using a paper form.

If you move house after applying for a school place