Here's when primary school admissions are announced this year, and what happens if you don't get your first choice

We've already had National Offer Day, when youngsters up and down the country found out whether or not they've been accepted into the secondary schools of their choice.

But what about those waiting to get into a primary school? On which date do they find out their fate?

Here's everything you need to know:

When was the deadline to apply for a primary school place?

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Applications for schools in England opened in September 2019, and closed on 15 January.

In England every parent must apply for a place for their child at a school, even if it’s linked to your child’s current nursery or primary school.

You can apply for a place at a state primary school online or by using your council’s application form.

Private schools have their own admissions procedures so you should apply directly if you want to send your child to a private school.

When must my child start school?

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Most children in England start school full-time the September after they turn four, but if you don’t think your child is ready you can ask for them to start part way through the term.

Children born between 1 April and 31 August can start the September after they turn five, and you can contact your local council or school if you want them to start later.

The council or school will decide if your child should start in reception year or year one. You can find out more about the national curriculum on Gov.co.uk.

Your child must legally be in full time education by ‘compulsory school age’. This means 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following a child’s fifth birthday - whichever comes first.

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If your child’s fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date and should start school the following term.

Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age. In England, you can leave school on the last Friday in June if you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

All three to four-year-olds in England are entitled to free early education before they start school full time, and you can find out more about this on the Gov.co.uk.

When will I find out if my child has a place?

Councils will send confirmations for primary schools on 16 April 2020.

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Have a look at your local council’s website for more information or to find out your results if you applied online.

What if my child doesn't get the place?

You’ll be sent a letter with the decision about your child’s school. If your child is refused a place, you can appeal against the decision. The letter will tell you how.

You must appeal against each rejection separately. You can only appeal once against each rejection.

When is the best time to apply for next year?

In each local council area the applications open on different days so have a look on your council website to find out exactly when you can apply for primary school places.

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You should apply for a primary school place in the autumn term after your child turns four, even if you want your child to start school part of the way through the term.

If your child was born in the summer (1 April to 31 August), you can apply in the autumn after your child turns five.

However, you have to ask for permission from your local council or school if you want your child start in reception instead of year one.

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