Deferred entry and born in summer

Compulsory school age

By law, parents must make sure that their children are receiving suitable full-time education at the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.

A child who reaches the age of five during the 2026 to 2027 summer term would reach compulsory school age in September 2027.

However, it is not possible to accept a place in the reception class for September 2026 but defer the child's admission until the beginning of the 2027 to 2028 academic year. If a child did not take up their place in a reception class during the 2026 to 2027 academic year, a separate in-year application would need to be made for the child to enter the school in year 1.

Alternatively, a parent has the right for their child to be admitted on a part-time basis during the reception class year, but not beyond the point that they reach the compulsory school age.

In both cases above, a school place is held for the child until they take it up.

Parents must notify the school in writing of their intention to delay their child's start date.

Updated Department for Education guidance from 27 April 2023

If you are seeking to defer entry for your child, read our deferred entry guidance and deferred entry form.

Page last updated: 10 September 2025