Requesting deferred entry

For children born in the summer, parents may believe it to be in their child's best interests to be admitted to reception class rather than year 1, which is outside their child's normal age group.

For children that are due to transfer to secondary school in September 2024 but had deferred entry agreed for entry from reception class in September 2017 to September 2018. If parents believe it to be in their child's best interests to be admitted to year 7 in 2025 rather than year 8, outside their child's normal age group.

These requests will be considered by the admission authority of the school(s). The decision made will be based on the circumstances of each case and the child's best interests.

Parents do not have the right to insist that their child is admitted to a particular age group, including reception or year 7.

If a parent wishes to request admission out of the normal age group for their child, they should still make an application for their child's normal age group at the usual time.

At the same time, the parent should submit their request for their child to be admitted out of their normal age group to the relevant admission authority with supporting evidence. The relevant admission authority is Birmingham City Council for all community and voluntary controlled schools.

If you are submitting a request for deferred entry to an academy, free school or voluntary aided school, you must inform this office that you have done so.