Today (Thursday 16 April 2026) is Primary School National Offer Day—the day many families across Surrey find out where their child has been offered a place for September.
For some, it’s all excitement. For others, it can bring a few questions (and maybe a bit of uncertainty too). Wherever you’re at today, here’s a simple, reassuring guide to what happens next—and how to move forward with confidence.
When and how you’ll receive your offer
If you applied through your local authority, you’ll usually receive your offer by email this evening, and you can also check via your admissions portal.
Your offer will be the highest preference school on your list that has space available.
What to do once you receive your offer
1. Accept your place
Even if it’s not your first choice, it’s really important to accept the place offered within the deadline.
This secures a school place for your child while you consider any other options—whether that’s waiting lists, appeals, or exploring alternatives.
2. Take a moment to reflect
If you got your first choice—amazing! You can start looking ahead to September and helping your child feel excited and ready.
If not, you’re absolutely not alone. Many families use this time to reassess what they want most for their child’s early school experience.
Thinking about Reception readiness?
One of the biggest questions parents have at this stage is:
“Will my child be ready for Reception?”
The good news is that school readiness isn’t about ticking off academic milestones—it’s about confidence, independence, and feeling secure in a new environment.
At Banstead Prep, our Early Years approach is built around exactly this. Children develop independence, curiosity, and social confidence through a balance of structured learning and play-based experiences.
If you’re starting to think about what really matters before September, our guide here is a really helpful place to begin: Ready for Reception: A Parent’s Guide
Exploring your options
If today has you reconsidering your choices, you still have time and flexibility.
Many families at this stage:
- Join waiting lists for other schools
- Consider appeals
- Look at independent school options with availability
At Banstead Prep, we often speak to families who are exploring a more nurturing, personalised start for their child.
How Banstead Prep supports children starting Reception
Starting school should feel exciting—not overwhelming.
Our Reception experience is designed to make that transition as smooth and positive as possible, with:
- Small class sizes and individual attention
- Specialist teaching (even from the early years)
- A focus on confidence, communication, and independence
- A warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued (Banstead Prep School –)
You can read more about exactly how we support children step-by-step here: How We Prepare Children for Reception
Didn’t get your first choice? You still have options
It’s completely normal to feel disappointed if things didn’t go as planned today.
But this really isn’t the end of the road—just one step in the journey.
Children thrive in environments where they feel happy, supported, and understood. Sometimes, exploring a different option leads to exactly the right fit.
A calm, confident next step
Whether you’re celebrating or reconsidering today, the most important thing is choosing a school where your child will feel confident, happy, and ready to learn.
If you’d like to explore places at Banstead Prep, arrange a visit, or simply have a chat about your options, our team is always happy to help. Contact Katie Henderson, Head of Admissions, on admissions@bansteadprep.com, call 01737 36360 or submit an enquiry.
