Schools and learning

When should your child start school?

Children are required by law to receive full-time education after they become five. In Hertfordshire, children normally start full-time schooling in a reception class at least a term before they become five years old. Hertfordshire schools generally have two intakes a year which work as follows:

Child's 5th birthday	Start month
1 September-28 February	September
1 March-31 August	January

If you want your child to start later than the date shown above, you may be able to defer your place - speak to the school to find out.

Nursery education

You can also apply for a nursery place, to start the year before your child starts reception. You have to apply separately for nursery and reception places. If you get a nursery place it does not guarantee your application for a reception place.

When will my Child start school?

Child's date of birth	Nursery start month	Primary start month
01/03/03 - 31/08/03	January 2007	January 2008
01/09/03 - 28/02/04	September 2007	September 2008
01/03/04 - 31/08/04	January 2008	January 2009
01/09/04 - 28/02/05	September 2008	September 2009
01/03/05 - 31/08/05	January 2009	January 2010
01/09/05 - 28/02/06	September 2009	September 2010
01/03/06 - 31/08/06	January 2010	January 2011

A few schools still have three intakes a year, in September, January and April.
If you have not received an application pack in the September prior to the academic year in which your child is due to start at primary school, please contact us.