Pre-School Admissions 2027/28 - Key Dates for Parents

The Education Authority (EA) has now released the key dates of when the admissions criteria are published, when applications open, close and when you can expect to receive the outcome of your application.

The key dates for parents to note are:

Admissions criteria for all Pre-School settings will be published on the Education Authority (EA) website on 9 December 2026.

Stage One – For target-age applications only:

• Applications open on 6 January 2027 at 12 noon.
• Applications close on 20 January 2027 at 12 noon.

Outcomes issued on 18 March 2027.

It is important to apply before the deadline as there is no late application timeframe.

A list of Pre-Schools with funded places remaining available will be published by Education Authority (EA)  on 18 March 2027.

Stage Two – For target-age, late deferral and penultimate age applications:

Parents who have chosen to defer their child’s entry to P1 and are considered as ‘late deferrals’ can apply in Stage Two only.

Applications for children in their penultimate Pre-School year, sometimes referred to as ‘Pre-Pre-school year’ can be made in Stage Two only.

• Applications open on 18 March 2027.
• Applications close on 12 May 2027 at 4pm.

For more information see Education Authority  webiste:  Education Authority Admission Criteria