In Surrey all children between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school. Most children will start school the September following their fourth birthday. However, children are not legally required to be in education until the beginning of the term after they turn five.
If you feel your child is not quite ready to start a full time school place you can ask for them to attend part time, or even defer entry until they reach the required age. If you decide to defer entry it cannot be beyond the start of the final term of the academic year that the offer was made. And, even if you defer your child's school place you will still need to apply by the given deadline and must discuss this with the school's headteacher.
Schools
- Schools
- Finding a school for a child with SEND
- Parent's school advice and support
- Educating your child at home
- Extended schools
- Independent Schools council
- Common questions on leaving school
- Gov.uk: Summer-born children school admission guidance
