Starting infant, junior or primary school

When to apply for a school place, how to apply and important dates when applying.

When children start school

If your child will be 5 years old between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025, they should start school in September 2024.

Children born between 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020 can start infant or primary school.

Children born between 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 can start junior school.

The deadline to apply to start junior and primary school in September 2024 is 15 January 2024.

Starting school later

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 2024, you can apply for a school place from September 2023.

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.

More information

Find out about school years, key stages and the national curriculum.

View our school application guides for more information.