School Year Calculator (UK) — What Year Group Is My Child In?

Covers England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Calculate Your Child's Year Group

Cut-off: 1 September

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nation-Specific Information

England & Wales

Children start Reception in the September after they turn 4, if their birthday falls on or before 1 September. Compulsory education begins the term after their 5th birthday. Parents of summer-born children (April–August) can request to delay entry by a year, but this requires agreement from the admission authority.

Official guidance →Find your local council →

Scotland

Most children start Primary 1 in August if they are between 4½ and 5½. To start that August, they must be 4 on or before 1 March. Children born in January or February can automatically defer P1 entry by a year; other deferrals are possible but not automatic.

Official guidance →Find your local council →

Northern Ireland

Children start Primary 1 in September if they turn 4 on or before 1 July. Parents of children born April–July can choose to defer starting P1 by a year under the 'Young for Year' option.

Official guidance →Find your local council →

Last reviewed: January 2025