Starting school in the UK: applications, year groups and early support

If you have only just arrived in the UK with a child, the school system can seem confusing: year groups, applying through the council, separate rules in Scotland. This guide sets out the essentials. We focus mainly on England; where we know things are different, we say so clearly.

In short

• In England a place at a state school is not secured by ‘signing up at the school office’ but by an application made through your local council, including when you are only just moving.
• The school year starts in September. In England a child starts Reception in the September after their fourth birthday.
• The main admissions deadlines in England are usually 15 January (primary school) and 31 October (secondary school). Arriving partway through the year follows a separate route, known as in-year admission.
• From September 2026 in England, free school meals cover all children in families receiving Universal Credit, regardless of earnings.
• Childcare for young children (15 and 30 hours a week) and the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ, so always check where you live.

Compulsory school age and year groups

In England a child must start full-time education from one of three dates: 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday, whichever comes first. Usually, however, children start Reception in the September after their fourth birthday (a child who turns 4 in June starts that same September). After that come the following years: Year 1, Year 2 and so on. Year groups run from 1 September to 31 August.

If your child is not ready, you can ask for them to start part-time, to start later in the school year, or to start at age 5 in Year 1. You can ask the council or the school for Reception rather than Year 1, but they do not have to agree. You apply by the normal deadline and ask for a deferred start.

Compulsory education lasts until the last Friday in June of the school year in which the child turns 16. A parent can send their child to school or educate them at home (home education). In England, after compulsory school age ends (the last Friday in June), a young person must, until they turn 18, stay in education or training, or work or volunteer for at least 20 hours a week alongside part-time education (GOV.UK: School leaving age).

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

• Scotland: the first year is P1, and it starts in August. If a child's birthday falls between 1 March and the first day of school in August, they usually start in August of the year they turn 5. Children born later (up to the end of February) usually start a year earlier. A parent can defer the start for a child who is still 4 on the first day, and deferral gives an extra year of funded early learning and childcare. Registration and deferral dates are set by the council, so check them locally.
• Wales and Northern Ireland: the rules (cut-off dates, deadlines) are separate. Look for them on your local council's website (Wales) or the Education Authority's website (Northern Ireland).

How to apply for a school place in England

In England you apply to your local council, including when you are moving from another council area or from abroad. You still apply even if the school is ‘linked’ to your child's current nursery or school. On the form you list schools in order of preference; naming only one does not improve your chances.

1. Go to the website of the council for your address and find the ‘school admissions’ section.
2. Look at the schools in your area and their admission arrangements. Schools must publish these on their websites.
3. Apply online by the deadline.
4. Have proof of address ready (a tenancy agreement, title deeds or mortgage). If you are only just moving, the council may ask for proof that you will be living there before the start of term.
5. Accept the offer by the date given in the letter, otherwise the place may be withdrawn.

Main admissions deadlines (England)

• Primary school (Reception): you apply a year ahead, when your child is 3 or has just turned 4. Applications open in September and close on 15 January. Offers are sent out on 16 April.
• Secondary school: applications usually open on 1 September and close on 31 October of the year before the start (for Year 7 in September 2027 this is 31 October 2026). Offers are sent out on 1 March.

A late application reduces your chances of getting the school you want. If none of your schools has a place, the council must offer another one, usually the nearest school with places available.

Arriving during the school year (in-year)

If you arrived after the school year had already started, contact the council where you live. It will tell you which schools have places and explain the process. Your child will usually start at the beginning of the next term. You can also put your child on the waiting list at a school of your choice; the list must be kept at least until 31 December of the school year in which the child is due to start (School Admissions Code, paragraph 2.15).

Appealing a decision

If you are refused a place, the decision letter explains how to appeal. You appeal separately against each refusal, and the deadline must be at least 20 school days from the date of the letter. The case is heard by an independent panel (at least 3 people), and you will be told the date of the hearing at least 10 school days in advance. You will usually get the decision within 5 school days. In infant classes (Reception to Year 2) there is a limit of 30 children per class, which reduces your chances but does not rule out an appeal.

Free school meals

England. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at state-funded schools get free meals (universal infant free school meals). Older children can get free school meals if the family receives certain benefits. From the 2026/27 school year, children whose parent receives Universal Credit qualify regardless of income (previously there was a limit of £7,400 a year after tax). You apply through the council. If your family receives a qualifying benefit, it is worth registering it, as this can bring the school extra funding. If you have no recourse to public funds, ask the school or council whether your child qualifies.

Scotland. Children in P1 to P5 at state schools get a free lunch regardless of income; in P6, P7 and secondary school, benefit criteria apply.

Benefit rules change; as of October 2026. Check the current position: GOV.UK and mygov.scot.

Free childcare hours for younger children (England)

• 15 hours for all 3 to 4-year-olds: 570 hours a year, usually 15 hours a week over 38 weeks. It starts from the term after the child's third birthday (1 January, 1 April or 1 September). It does not depend on employment. Meals and extra activities may be charged for.
• Up to 30 hours for working parents: for children from 9 months to 4 years. Each parent (if there are two) usually needs to be working (annual leave, sick leave or parental leave also count) and expect to earn above a minimum amount (for example, for someone aged 21 or over, £2,643.68 over the 3 months after applying; for 18 to 20-year-olds £2,256.80; for under-18s and apprentices £1,664). If one parent is not working, you may still qualify if the other works and the first, for example, receives Carer's Allowance or is on carer's leave. Neither parent can expect an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 a year. You need a National Insurance number, and the applicant must meet status requirements (for example British or Irish citizenship, settled or pre-settled status, or access to public funds). You must reconfirm your details every 3 months.
• 15 hours for 2-year-olds: for families receiving extra support (for example certain benefits). Check the criteria on GOV.UK and ask your council.

Thresholds and amounts as of October 2026. The income threshold changes every year on 1 April (next change: 1 April 2027), so check the current figure: GOV.UK.

Scotland offers up to 1,140 hours a year of funded childcare for children from age 3 until they start school, regardless of whether the parents work (and for eligible 2-year-olds). Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.

Support for children learning English (EAL)

Children who speak a different language at home every day are known in schools as EAL pupils (English as an additional language). Before your child starts, ask the school what support it offers new pupils, and ask for a meeting with an interpreter if you need one.

Special educational needs (SEN/SEND)

If you think your child needs extra support, talk to the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school or nursery. Children with more complex needs may have an EHC plan (Education, Health and Care plan), which can last up to age 25. You can ask the council for a needs assessment. The school named in the plan must admit the child. Your local Information, Advice and Support (IAS) service can help you with the process. More: GOV.UK on SEN.

Polish Saturday schools

There are Polish Saturday schools across the UK where children learn Polish language, history and culture. You can look for them in, among other places, the database of Polish schools abroad run by ORPEG (the Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad), on the websites of the Polish embassy and consulates, and in local Polish community groups. Check how to enrol and any fees directly with the school you choose.

Absence and fines for term-time holidays

A child may miss lessons only because of illness or with the school's prior permission. Holidays during term time are generally not treated as exceptional circumstances. In England, each parent can be fined £80 for unauthorised absence, rising to £160 if you do not pay within 21 days. A second fine within 3 years is £160; each parent can receive no more than two fines for the same child within 3 years; after a third such case, the matter usually goes to court instead of another fine. After 28 days without payment, the case may go to court. The council usually offers a warning and support first. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules. As of October 2026, check the current figures: GOV.UK.

Where to get help

• Your council (local authority) — the ‘school admissions’ team: applications, deadlines, in-year admissions, EHC plans.
• GOV.UK: find your local council and information about schools.
• Child Law Advice — advice on appealing admission decisions.
• Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk, help with benefits and family rights.
• Scotland: mygov.scot and Parent Club; Northern Ireland: Education Authority.
• ORPEG — gov.pl/web/orpeg: database of Polish schools abroad.

The rules depend on your individual circumstances and where you live. If in doubt, ask your council or Citizens Advice.