Starting primary school (reception)
Information for parents about applying for reception places for September 2025.
2. When children can start primary school
Children can start reception year at primary school from the September after their fourth birthday. However, by law children don't have to start school until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.
Earlier starts will be considered in very exceptional cases or circumstances. Parents must provide evidence of an exceptional or substantial need for this to happen.
These are the dates that children would usually start school and when to apply for a school place:
| Child born between | Starts primary school | Apply between |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2021 | Sep 2025 | Sep 2024 - Jan 2025 |
| 1 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2022 | Sep 2026 | Sep 2025 - Jan 2026 |
| 1 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2023 | Sep 2027 | Sep 2026 - Jan 2027 |
| 1 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2024 | Sep 2028 | Sep 2027 - Jan 2028 |
You can request that your child attends school part-time or defer their starting school until they reach compulsory school age, if that best suits the needs of your child.
You can also request to defer your child's admission until the following school year.
Apply online for a school place
Applications for school places for September 2025 open on 1 September 2024.
The deadline to apply for a primary school place for September 2025 is 15 January 2025.