Compulsory School Age

[gahenty]

Is the start of the term after they turn 5.

So, if my child turns 5 on the 6th January, is it:

• In one council term starts on the 7th January, so the child is compulsory school age.
• In the other council term starts on the 3rd January, so the child isn't compulsory school age until after Easter.

or

• 'Term' starts on 1st month, so the child is compulsory school age after 1st April, as turns 5 after 1st January.

Help! I'm confused!

If you're in the UK, school isn't compulsory at all! They can start whenever you want.

Usually they would start the September before 5th birthday.

Term may in fact start on the same day but one council has inset days at the start of term.

Best to ask the relevant council direct!

So, compulsory school age (which is a thing, misty) varies from council to council?

No, I am saying term may start 3rd jan in both but one council had the first few days if term as inset days.

Best to ask the council, as I said.

But it's not just inset days that make term dates vary by council.

Is it like early years funding, the 1st of the month, or does it vary by council?

term after they turn 5
If turning 5 just before start of new term, then that new term would be the relevant one I would think and yes it does vary regionally and by just a few days
many schools seem to get this wrong and assume it is 5th birthday - they're wrong it's after Easter for a child turning 5 during the first term of the calendar year

Most schools only have 1 intake now don't they? In September?

I have nothing further to add on the subject than ask your council. Assume you are trying to find out for a reason to do with sending your DC to school only for summer term.

The cut offs for each term are 31st December, 31st March and 31st August regardless of the term dates.

Don't assume.

NickNacks that's great, if true. Do you have a source?

Which council? As I said, don't assume.

I'm trying to find out (and assume someone here is knowledgeable!) the legal position generally, on compulsory school age.

Ok dokey.

Byesie bye.

There is no compulsory school age, only getting your child an education. You can home ed.

What NickNacks said is correct, it's in the School Admissions Code.

See footnote on p24 School Admisssions Code

Fantastic! Thanks to those who knew the answer!

FFS, there is a legal term 'compulsory school age'. I just wanted to know when it was. I know people home ed, great for you, but I needed clarity on the legal term.

Thank you!

The term "Compulsory School Age" is confusing. It does not actually mean that school is compulsory during the qualifying period. It does, however, mean that the parent or guardian of a child of "compulsory school age" has a duty to provide an education (subject to section 7 of the 1996 Education Act) during that period.

Your child is of "compulsory school age" on the 1st January, 1st April or 1st September following their 5th birthday.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st January and 31st March are of compulsory school age at the beginning of the term after 1st April.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st April and 31st August are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st September.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st September and 31st December are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st January.