Apply for primary school

Children can start school (reception class) in the September that follows their 4th birthday. If you think your child is not ready to start school in the September after their 4th birthday, you can ask:  

• the school if they can go part-time as soon as a place is offered until they reach compulsory school age
• to delay admission until later in the school year
• to admit your child outside of their normal age group if they were born in the summer. This should only happen in exceptional circumstances however  

Your child must be in full-time education the term after their 5th birthday. This is called compulsory school age. 

You can apply between 1 September and 15 January if you would like your child to start school in the September after their 4th birthday.  

You must still apply even if your child:  

• goes to the nursery class of your chosen school
• has a brother or sister attending the school  

Before you apply to a primary school, you can find out more by:  

• reading the school’s admission arrangements
• going to school open days
• looking at the school's website
• reading the latest Ofsted report