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 20 August 2021 and 28 February 2022
Children born between 20 August 2021 and 28 February 2022:
- 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 13 March 2026.
Children born between 1 March 2021 and 19 August 2021
Children born between 1 March 2021 and 19 August 2021:
- 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 2026/27 academic year is Friday 5 December 2025.
Further information
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