Start school
When your child should start school
Your child can start school in the September after their fourth birthday. If you do not think they are ready, they can start later on in the year (deferred start) or attend part time.
Your child will reach compulsory school age on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday - whichever comes first. If their fifth birthday is on one of those dates, they will reach compulsory school age on that date. They must start school on the first day of the next term.
If you defer their start date, the school will hold their place. It will not be offered to another child.
Parents/carers who want to defer must write to the school. The letter should include the date you wish your child to start in a reception class. You will still need to complete the online application form before the deadline.
Deferred admission for children born in the summer
Children born between 1 April and 31 August are classed as ‘summer-born’. They do not need to start school until a full year later than other children in their age range, and can start school at the beginning of year 1.
If you want your summer-born child to be admitted to a reception class, rather than go straight to year 1, you can ask for admission out of their normal age group. The admission authority will make this decision in the best interests of your child.
Deferred admission to reception in a community or voluntary controlled primary school
You will need to show that deferred admission to reception would be in your child’s best interests. Write to us and explain why. You should include supporting medical evidence, or evidence from your child’s current head teacher.
Make sure we receive your request by 15 January 2021.
Deferred admission to reception in a voluntary aided school, foundation school or academy
You will need to apply directly to your preferred school. You will also need to write to the local authority, and complete a local authority application.
Deciding on your school preferences
You can apply for a place at up to three primary schools for your child, and list them in order of preference.
If any of your preferred schools are outside Walsall Borough, you still apply in the same way. Walsall Council runs a co-ordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring councils and admission authorities, so you only have to complete one application.
Walsall Council has a duty to offer your child a place in a school. We always try to meet your first choice, but sometimes we receive more applications than the school has places available. We will then try to offer your next highest preference. If we cannot meet any of your preferences, we will offer you a place in the nearest school to your home address with available places.
You can read more about the admissions process in the schemes for co-ordinated admissions document.
