what age do you start school in england

Most children start school full-time in the September after they turn 4.
Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.

• children who will turn 5 between 1st January and 31st March are of compulsory school age at the beginning of the term after 1st April
• children who will turn 5 between 1st April and 31st August are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st September
• children who will turn 5 between 1st September and 31st December are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st January.

However, many children receive education from the age of 3 or 4 by attending a nursery group, playgroup or the nursery or reception class of a Primary School. It will be the choice of your parents whether you go to school before the age of 5.

Hi everyone, I’m currently living in Holland but wanting to return to England for when my daughter is due to start school. She will turn 4yrs old Nov 2015. Will I miss the intake that yr and have to wait a whole year before she can start full time? Totally clueless, I’m afraid, so if anyone can clarify that’d be a huge help!
I’m getting conflicting info from people back in UK. Does it depend on the area? I will be moving to the North Tyneside area but can’t be more specific at present.

See when your child can start school.
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.

In Surrey all children between the ages of five and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school. Most children will start school the September following their fourth birthday. However, children are not legally required to be in education until the beginning of the term after they turn five.
If you feel your child is not quite ready to start a full time school place you can ask for them to attend part time, or even defer entry until they reach the legally required age. If you decide to defer entry it cannot be beyond the start of the final term of the academic year that the offer was made. And, even if you defer your child’s school place you will still need to apply by the given deadline and must discuss this with the school’s headteacher.

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References:

http://lawstuff.org.uk/education/when-do-i-have-to-go-to-school/
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/preschool/2191968-At-what-age-do-kids-start-full-time-school-in-England
http://www.essex.gov.uk/starting-school
http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/families/education-and-learning-advice-for-families/school-years
http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/choosing-a-school/from-embryo-to-18
http://projectbritain.com/education/grades.htm