Accelerated admissions
There are some circumstances which mean that parents might feel their child should start school a full academic year earlier, an accelerated admission into school.
The policy of the council is not to accelerate the admission of pupils into Reception. However, in accordance with the Schools Admissions Code all requests will be considered on the basis of the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child taking account of the child’s educational and social development.
Deferred admissions
If you don't think your child is ready to start school at the usual time, they can start later - as long as they're in full-time education by the time they reach compulsory school age.
They can start:
- Part-time
- Part-way through the year
|
Child’s Birthday |
What options are available |
|
1 September - 31 December (Autumn term) |
Child can attend full-time, request to attend part-time from September or defer admission until the beginning of January. |
|
1 January - 31 March |
Child can attend full or part-time from September or defer admission until the beginning of January or until after Easter. |
|
1 April - 31 August |
Child can attend full or part-time from September or defer admission until January or Easter. |
Please note: if you choose to defer admission the place offered to your child in Reception will be withdrawn and you will have to make a Year 1 application for admission to a school for the next academic year.
You will need to:
- Apply for a reception class place at the same time as everyone else, and
- Talk to the school about arranging for your child to start later or part-time
If your child starts school in the September after they turn five
If your child starts school in the September after they turn five, they will go into year 1. If you want your child to start in reception instead, you will need to request that they are admitted outside of their normal age group.
Apply for a delay using our delay application form and tell us:
- Your child's name
- Your child's date of birth
- Which schools you have chosen as your preferred schools
- Why you want your child to be admitted outside of their normal age group
Compulsory school age
Children must start full-time education from the school term after their fifth birthday - either by attending school or through home education. For example, if your child turns five on 31 March, they must start full-time education at the beginning of the summer term (the next term that year). Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.
Delaying your child’s entry to school if your child is still four
If your child is still four, you can delay your child’s admission to school until later in the school year. If you are planning to delay your child’s start date until later in the school year, you must still apply for a place in the relevant admission round.
- You should speak to schools to discuss how you would like your child to be admitted.
- A child reaches compulsory school age at the beginning of the school term after they turn five.