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 2016 and 31 August 2017, they'll be able to start school in September 2021.

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