Get UK Manchester City Council School Application For Children In Reception To Year 11 At Schools And 2013-2024

You don't have to. Education doesn't become compulsory until the term after they turn five (though most kids end up starting school aged four). You know what will suit your child best, but there is research showing that good quality early years education can really help their social, language and brain development.

Reception class is the first year at primary school, but unlike every other school year, it is not compulsory for your child to attend, but it is a good way to introduce your child to life at school.

Reception is not compulsory in England and Wales. However, it is compulsory for children to begin their education the term after they turn five years old, which can fall into reception class.

You can apply for a place at a state primary school online or by using your council's application form. You apply through your local council even if you're applying for schools in another council area.

Applying for a primary school place You must apply for a primary school place a year before your child can start school. Applications open in September and close on 15 January. Your child will be 3 or have just turned 4 when you apply.

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England are entitled to free early education before they start school full time.

Reception (also known as Nursery, Year R, Year 0, or FS2 for foundation second year) is the first year of primary school in England and Wales. It comes after nursery and before Year One in England and Wales, or before Primary 2 in Northern Ireland. Pupils in Reception are usually aged between four and five.

If you make a request to delay your child's school entry, the school has the right to decide whether they can start in Reception a year late, or whether they go straight into Year 1 with their normal age group, missing the whole Reception year.