Children born between 1 September and 31 December usually start school in September after their fourth birthday. But they can also:
- go to school part-time during the autumn term
- start school in January after their fifth birthday
Start in September after fourth birthday
Apply for a reception place in the normal way.
Go to school part-time or start school later
The latest your child must start school full-time is the beginning of the spring term in January after their fifth birthday.
To organise your child going to school part-time during the autumn term, or starting school in January after their fifth birthday:
- Apply for a school place during the autumn when your child turns 4 – application deadline 15 January.
- Accept a school place offered to you.
- Speak to the school about your child attending their reception year part-time or starting later.
- If you want your child to start later, the school will hold your place until January.