When to apply for a school place, how to apply and important dates when applying.
If your child will be 5 years old between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, they should start school in September 2025.
Children born between 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021 can start infant or primary school.
Children born between 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018 can start junior school.
If you want your child to start school later you need to let the school know when you accept the school place.
| Child's birthday | Options |
|---|---|
| 1 September to 31 December | Start school full-time or part-time in September or wait to start school in January |
| 1 January to 31 March | Start school full-time or part-time in September, wait to start school in January or at the start of summer term |
| 1 April to 31 August | Start school full-time or part-time in September, wait to start school in January or at the start of summer term You can also choose for your child to start school the following September, after their fifth birthday. Children who start school the following September usually start in year 1, but you can ask for your child to start in reception instead. |
If your child needs to start reception or year 3 of a junior school in September 2025, you can apply for a school place from September 2024.
If your child is changing schools or needs to start school during the school year, you can apply for a school place at any time.
Watch our video on YouTube to find out more about the application process.
Find out about school years, key stages and the national curriculum.
View our school application guides for more information.