Birmingham City Council financial challenges - time to Reset

To find out more about the budget and section 114 notice, visit our budget information page

School age - when can your child start school?

Children in Birmingham can start school (reception) in the September after their fourth birthday.

Example: If your child was born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020, they will be able to start school in September 2024.

Responsibility for applying online

Birmingham City Council's School Admissions and Fair Access Service publishes information on its website, informing parents or carers how to start their child at school. However, the responsibility for applying online for a child to start reception class remains solely with parents or carers.

When to apply

Parents can apply for a place in the Autumn of the year before their child turns 4. You must 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


Page last updated: 18 September 2023

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