When to start primary school?

The law says that all children must start school, full time, by the beginning of the September term after their fifth birthday.

However, all children are able to start in a reception class in a primary school in the September term following their fourth birthday. 

From September 2012, parents have three options when their child starts reception:

• attend full time
• attend on a part time basis until the term after the child's fifth birthday
• defer entry to school until the term after the child's fifth birthday

Parents wishing to make arrangements for part time attendance or deferral should still apply for a place on time, but then inform the school concerned, in writing, of their intentions for their child's attendance at the school.

This page was last updated on 21 July 2011