Admissions Key Dates

Information on the key dates in the school admissions procedure.

The key dates in the school admissions procedure are now published. These include when admissions criteria are published, applications open and close, and when you can expect to receive the outcome of your application. 

Pre-school
DateActivity
Wednesday 10 December 2025Admissions criteria for Pre-Schools published on the EA website.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 – at 12 noonEA Connect opens for online applications for Pre-School, submitting verification/supporting documents.
Wednesday 21 January 2026 – at 12 noonEA Connect closes. Last date/time for punctual applications for Pre-School.
Monday 26 January 2026 – by 4pm

Final date/time for late applications. 

Final date/time for Change of Preference in Exceptional Circumstances.

Final date/time for documents in support of applications.

Monday 23 March 2026

Pre-School Stage 1 - Target Age Only - Applicants will receive application outcome via email (where one is held) or by letter.

Pre-School Stage 2 - Admissions applications opens.

Wednesday 1 April 2026 - by 4pm

Deadline for Pre-School Stage 2 application/preference(s)/documents:

  • Additional preferences (treated as punctual) from applicants who are engaging in Stage 2 for a child(ren) not selected in Stage 1; or
  • New 1st time Target age application or pre-school application related to a Late P1 Deferral (treated as punctual); or
  • New 1st time Underage application (treated as late); or
  • Additional preference from an applicant who declined a Stage 1 offer (treated as late).
Tuesday 19 May 2026Pre-School Stage 2 - Applicants will receive application outcome via email (where one is held) or by letter.
Primary
DateActivity
Wednesday 10 December 2025Admissions criteria for Primary schools published on the EA website.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 – at 12 noonEA Connect opens for online applications for Primary 1.
Wednesday 21 January 2026 – at 12 noonEA Connect closes. Last date/time for punctual applications for Primary 1.
Monday 26 January 2026 – by 4pm

Final date/time for late applications. 

Final date/time for Change of Preference in Exceptional Circumstances.

Final date/time for documents in support of applications.

Monday 23 March 2026Applicants will receive application outcomes via email (where one is held) or by letter.
Post Primary
DateActivity
Wednesday 10 December 2025Admissions criteria for Post Primary Schools published on the EA website.
Tuesday 27 January 2026 - at 12 noonEA Connect opens for online applications for Post Primary.
Thursday 19 February 2026 - at 12 noonEA Connect closes. Last date/time for punctual applications for Post Primary Year 8.
Tuesday 24 February 2026 – by 4pm

Final date/time for late applications. 

Final date/time for Change of Preference in Exceptional Circumstances.

Final date/time for documents in support of applications.

Saturday 9 May 2026Applicants will receive application outcome via email (where one is held) or by letter.
Dickson Plan 14+
DateActivity
Monday 2 March 2026Admissions criteria for Senior High Schools published on the EA website.

Monday 13 April 2026

(12 noon)

Junior to Senior High application process opens with online portal available for applicants to apply for Year 11 admission.

 

Thursday 30 April 2026

(12 noon)

Online portal closes at 12.00 noon for Junior to Senior High applications.

 

Friday 8 May 2026Close of JHS-SHS Transfer Procedure.
Saturday 9 May 2026Applicants will receive application outcomes via email (where one is held) or by letter.
applying for a Pre-School place for September 2026 Key Dates.

Key Dates for Applying for a Pre-School Place for September 2026

Key Dates for Primary Graphic

Key Dates for Applying for a Primary 1 Place for September 2026

Key Dates Post Primary

Key Dates for Applying for a Post Primary Place for September 2026

Last updated: 26/01/2026