Children normally start school aged between 4 and a half and 5 and a half, depending on when the child’s birthday falls. This is a matter of law. Parents can request that children younger than this be admitted to school. The Head Teacher of the school applied for will assess each case individually to determine whether or not the education normally provided in the school is suited to the ability and aptitude of the child. If you are considering requesting Early Entry to School for your child you should consider whether your child is emotionally and socially mature enough to cope with a full-time programme of education.
As a consequence of early admission to school your child would be younger than the other pupils in the class. This may present difficulties in relation to:
- Separation from parents
- Making friends and working with other children in the class
- Activities within the classroom and playground
- Your child’s ability to cope in different situations
- Conforming to a more formal classroom organisation
For those wishing to apply for Early Entry, application should be made in writing to the Head Teacher of your zoned school, no later than 28th February of the year you wish your child to start school. You will be informed of the decision by letter in May.
This is known as an Early Entry Request. It is not the same as a Placing Request as you cannot request in law that your child start early in a school other than your local catchment school.