Starting primary school in September 2027? Suffolk parents have until 15 January to apply

Parents and carers in Suffolk have just over two months to apply for a primary school place for September 2027. If your little one is due to start Reception next year, now is a good time to explore local schools, meet the teachers and find out what each school has to offer.

Starting school is a big milestone, and choosing where your child will spend those first important years is a decision many families will be thinking about over the coming weeks.

Suffolk County Council has confirmed that applications for children starting Reception in September 2027 must be submitted by Friday 15 January 2027.

The deadline applies to children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. Applications should be made through Suffolk County Council, even if your child already attends a nursery or preschool attached to your preferred school.

One of the best ways to get a feel for a school is to visit in person. You can look around the classrooms, meet members of staff, ask questions and get a sense of what everyday school life might look like for your child.

We’ve picked out five Suffolk primary schools for families to explore, with details of their upcoming visits and open sessions.

Primary school open days and visits in Suffolk

Langer Primary Academy, Felixstowe

Langer Primary Academy is welcoming families with children due to start in 2027 to its Stay and Play sessions.

• Tuesday 8 December 2026, 9.30am, including a visit from Santa.

The school is on Langer Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2HL.

Find out more: https://www.langer.org.uk/

Westgate Primary School, Bury St Edmunds

Find out more: https://www.westgatesch.com/

Clifford Community Primary School, Ipswich

Clifford Community Primary School has arranged several opportunities for prospective Reception families to visit.

Upcoming school tours include:

• Wednesday 25 November 2026, 9.30am to 10.30am
• Tuesday 8 December 2026, 1.45pm to 2.45pm

The school has also offered an open evening and Stay and Play sessions earlier in November.

Booking is available through the school’s prospective parents page.

Find out more: https://www.cliffordroadschool.org.uk/

Ickworth Park Primary School, Horringer

If you’re considering Ickworth Park Primary School, the school welcomes prospective families to arrange a visit.

Its admissions information encourages parents to contact the school to arrange a convenient time to look around.

Call 01284 735337 or email office@ickworthparkprimary.org.uk.

Find out more: https://www.ickworthpark.co.uk/

Broke Hall Community Primary School, Ipswich

Broke Hall Community Primary School has information for prospective parents on its website, including details of its Reception provision and admissions arrangements.

Families interested in visiting should contact the school to ask about further opportunities.

Find out more: https://www.brokehall.suffolk.sch.uk/

Don’t forget the application deadline

The closing date for September 2027 primary school applications in Suffolk is 15 January 2027.

Parents can apply for up to three schools, listing them in order of preference. Suffolk County Council recommends including more than one preference.

If you apply on time, National Offer Day for primary school places is Friday 16 April 2027.

Applications should be submitted online through Suffolk County Council’s admissions service.

Find out more and apply: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions

A little preparation now can make the move to big school feel much less daunting for everyone.