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 is going to be 5 years old between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024, they should start school in September 2023.
Children born between 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019 can start infant or primary school.
Children born between 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016 can start junior school.
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 2023, you can apply for a school place from September 2022.
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 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.