Delaying when your child starts primary school
School starting age
Children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 can start Reception class in September 2025.
Legally, children must start full-time education from the beginning of the school term after their fifth birthday.
Deferring a place
If your child is offered a primary school place to start in September, you might want to defer it until later in the same school year. You can defer your place and we will hold it for your child.
Your child could also go to school part-time until they reach compulsory school age. You need to speak to the headteacher of the school to talk about the support available to help your child take part fully in school life.
If you would like to arrange for your child to have a deferred admission or part-time placement, you need to speak to the headteacher of the school.
Delayed entry for summer-born children
If your child was born between 1 April and 31 August (is a summer-born child), you can apply to delay their start to primary school by a year. Read the guide below for more information.