Parents often miss option to postpone summer-born kids' school start until age five
Many families are unaware that children born between April and August can legally defer starting Reception until the September after their fifth birthday.
Children born from April to August may legally delay their entry into Reception until the September after turning five, according to Department for Education guidelines. Parents like Victoria from Swindon discovered the option late and chose to wait, reporting positive outcomes for her son. However, misinformation—such as the notion that deferral automatically places a child in Year 1—has confused families, says reception teacher Maria.
Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows later-born students often lag behind older classmates, prompting a minority of parents to seek a year’s delay, though evidence on its effectiveness remains mixed. Academics at the University of Bristol caution that deferral is not universally optimal, while specialists highlight that bureaucratic hurdles and postcode disparities can affect access. Support from early-years settings and clear communication with schools are recommended to help parents make informed choices.
