School applications

[fabian's ma]

Hello, I'd be grateful for some advice. Could someone outline briefly the current timetable for school applications?

My son is almost two and as he has a November birthday I understand that he will be starting school when he's almost five in September 2015. When would I need to apply for a school place? September 2014?

Many thanks in advance and sorry if this repeats previous strands.

[craigy]

Applications would open Sept 2014, close Jan 2015, notification of places April 2015 to start Sept.

[fabian's ma]

Thanks very much!

[Susan]

I am in the same position Dec baby 2010 but for some reason thought they could not start school until they are 5? Very pleased to know I am wrong and they will take in 4 year old going to be 5 in Dec....phew!

[fabian's ma]

I think they go the September that they are 'rising 5' - but I am / was confused, hence my intitial question! Fingers crossed.

[craigy]

it used to be that they started at the beginning of the term they turned 5 in but now its single entry in september regardless of when they turn 5

[Susan]

Ekkk sorry been a bit dim. Does this mean that if he is 5 in Dec that he can start school in the Sept before he is 5?

Thanks

[fabian's ma]

That's how I understand it - yes. You start the September before you're 5. So our kids will be amongst the oldest in the year - whereas others with March birthdays for example would start at the same time but only be 4 and a half. I think!

[Renata Hamvas]

Yes, school year cut off date is 31st August/ 1st September.

A child born on the 1st September is 5 when they start Primary, one born on 31st August will have just turned 4. Everyone else falls in between with the February/March children being those of around average age in the class. You apply for primary between the September and January (check the exact closing date) prior to when your child is due to start primary.

Renata