Most children start school in the September after their 4th birthday. However children are not legally required to attend school until the term after their 5th birthday. If you are considering delaying when your child starts school then different options are available to you depending on when your child was born. The first stage or reception focuses on fundamental skills. Read more on Uk Education and stages and Deadlines
- Children Born September-December:
- Apply for school when your child turns 4 in the winter.
- Usually, they start in September after turning 4, but you can delay or go part-time until January after turning 5.
- How to do it:
- Apply for school by January 15 after their 4th birthday.
- Accept the place.
- Talk to the school about delaying your child’s start or going part-time.
- Decide when they’ll start school, but they must start by January after turning 5.
- Children Born January-March:
- Apply for school before your child turns 4 in the winter.
- Usually start in September after turning 4, but can delay until April after turning 5.
- How to do it:
- Apply by January 15 before their 4th birthday.
- Accept the place.
- Talk to the school about delaying or part-time.
- Decide when they’ll start, but they must start by April after turning 5.
- Summer Born Children (April-August):
- Usually start in September after turning 4, but options to delay until later.
- How to do it:
- Apply for school in the usual age group.
- Then decide whether to accept the place or delay their start.