Your child must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday – whichever comes first. If your child’s fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date.
For example, if your child reaches compulsory school age on 31 March, they must start full-time education at the beginning of the next term (summer term that year).
Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.
Applying for your child’s place at school
- Cheshire East – apply for a primary or secondary school place
- St Helens – apply for a primary or secondary school place
- Wirral – apply for a primary or secondary school place
- Knowsley – apply for a primary or secondary school place
When to apply
Applications open on different days in each local council area. Find out from your local council when applications open for primary or secondary schools.
When you’ll find out
Councils will send offers of school places for:
- primary schools on 16 April
- secondary schools on 1 March
If either date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.
