What age do kids start school and how do I find a good primary if moving?

[Tigerlion]

I am really confused as to when children start school. Is it the September after their 5th birthday or their 4th birthday?
My son turns Two this August but as we are planning to move in November I want to try to move to an area that has good primary schools. We are looking for either state or Catholic school. Is there a website that lists schools area by area? Any help appreciated.

States school ARE Catholic, Church of England/Scotland.

Most children start school in either the September or January after their 4th birthday but a child doesn't have to be in education until the term after their 5th birthday.

Thanks for the very helpful websites Kama. Does anyone know whether catchment areas are disappearing? I just phoned an estate agent of where we are thinking of moving to and she said that there tends to be a waiting list at schools for children in the catchment area. When do you have to register children for school? Is it a year prior to their joining? Thanks

After 4th b'day so 2 years time for your ds , cut off date being end of August fro the academic year starting that September - in practice it may mean a Sept, Jan or Easter start.

Catchments are not set in stone anymore and can even change annually depending on demand . Some areas don't even have them but may use walking distance as one of their selection criteria (behind siblings , SEN, cared for children, active denomination etc). Don't rely in it being the same for the next 2 years.

Each Education Authority (LEA) has a different timescale for applications most likely to be during the Autumn or Spring term prior to starting. You might want to look at the website for the relevant LEA.

they have to be in school the term after their 5th birthday - and depending on when their birthday - they may start anytime from the term after their 4th birthday.

Look at the local county council website - there should be a section for education with lists of all schools and who to contact.

Where we live it is the as the crow flys distance to school which is the deciding factor (after siblings and special needs and religious criteria). The local education authority will tell us (if asked) what the furthest distance from the school to be offered a place was each year and what distance they calculate your address (or the address of the house you are thinking of buying is).

BUT each area can have very specific criteria for admissions with the catholic/C of E schools having their own additional criteria. You can get prospectuses from the LEA which sets it all out, check their websites.

Lastly, DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING THE ESTATE AGENTS TELL YOU ABOUT SCHOOLS check it all out independently. In my experience if they think you don't know the score they will lie.