Most children start school when they are between 4 years 6 months and 5 years old.
It is however possible for your child to start later, depending on the circumstances. This is called deferred entry.
Children born between 23 August 2022 and 28 February 2023
Children born between 23 August 2022 and 28 February 2023:
- are automatically entitled to defer entry
- receive an extra year of funded early learning and childcare
There's no need to formally apply for a deferred entry to school.
However, you will need to apply for a funded nursery place at a provider of your choice.
The deadline for decisions on entry to school or nursery is Friday 12 March 2026.
Children born between 1 March 2022 and 22 August 2022
Children born between 1 March 2022 and 22 August 2022:
- do not have an automatic right to defer entry to primary school
- are not entitled to an extra year of funded early learning and childcare
However, you can apply for special consideration for a deferred year.
The application deadline for the 2027/28 academic year is Friday 4 December 2026.
Further information
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