School age - when can your child start school?

Applications for primary schools opens on 1 October 2018

Children in Birmingham can start school (Reception) in the September after their 4th birthday.

Example: If your child was born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015, they'll be able to start school in September 2019.

When to apply

Parents can apply for a place in the Autumn of the year before their child turns 4 years of age. It is important that you apply for a place as soon as possible:

• attendance at a nursery class does not give a child automatic priority for a place
• do not wait until your child is five years old, or your preferred school may already be full

The closing date for applications for Reception Class 2019 is 15 January 2019.

View the admission arrangements for Birmingham primary schools

Delayed admissions

Read about applying to delay your child’s admission to primary or infant school until later in the school year or asking for your child to attend part-time during their Reception Class year.

Read about admission of children outside their normal age group.