Starting primary school: 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:

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.