Compulsory school age
Children are required by law to receive full-time education at the start of the school term following their fifth birthday but have the opportunity to start in the reception year in the September following their fourth birthday. Children are normally admitted to the reception year at school in the September following their fourth birthday.
Your child will get the most from their Reception education if they start at the same time as other children at the beginning of the school year.
| Date of 5th birthday | Date compulsory school age | Term compulsory school age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September - 31 December | 31 December | Spring term (starting in January) |
| 1 January - 31 March | 31 March | Summer term (starting in April) |
| 1 April - 31 August | 31 August | Autumn term (starting in September) |