We look forward to welcoming our Nursery pupils into our Reception class and them continuing their Dovecot journey with us. For pupils to move into the Reception class from Nursery Parents/Carers must apply for a space through their local council, before a place is allocated by the local authority. 

Only Nursery pupils born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 need to apply for a reception place for Reception 27/28. Nursery pupils born after this date will not need to apply until the following year. Please remember to place your school preferences in numerical order, with your first choice school at 1. Failure to do so may result in missing a place at Dovecot. 

Liverpool council applications open 1st September 2026

Knowsley council applications open 12th September 2026.

You must apply through the council in which you live, not where your choice of school is. 

Applications close on 15th January 2027

Liverpool Council Reception Applications

Knowsley Council Reception Applications

 Reception places will be allocated by the local authority and sent to parents on 16/4/2027

Starting Reception Poster

5 tips to help your child prepare for the transition to Reception | Family Corner