As the reception entry deadline approaches, it is essential for schools to be aware of the DfE’s non-statutory guidance regarding admissions for summer-born children. While this guidance advises parents to apply for a place in their child’s normal age group at the same time as requesting delayed entry, there are no strict deadlines for making such requests.
Key Points from DfE Guidance
- Admission authorities should encourage parents who are considering delaying their summer-born child’s admission until compulsory school age to visit the schools they wish to apply for. Teachers will be able to explain the provision on offer in the reception class and how children’s individual needs are supported.
- Admission authorities must still consider requests that are made outside the timescales set out in the process.
- The admission authority of each school must make a decision based on the circumstances of the case and in the child’s best interests. It should be rare for an authority to refuse a parent’s request.
- Admission authorities should not expect parents to get evidence they do not already have and must still consider requests that are not accompanied by evidence from professionals. Authorities should not refuse a request solely because it is not accompanied by professional evidence.
- The government believes it is rarely in a child’s best interest to miss a year of their education, for example, by beginning primary school in year 1 rather than reception, or secondary school in year 8 rather than year 7.
- DfE no longer intends to change the law on the admission of summer-born children. This is because the system is working much better than in the past. We will keep this position under review.
However, the research report states:
- Local authorities (LA) want clearer national guidelines and updates to the Admissions Code regarding delayed admissions for summer-born pupils, noting inconsistent practices and unclear deadlines. One LA mentioned a case where a parent requested a deferral even after their child had attended school for months, highlighting the lack of specific rules or deadlines.
Full report can be found @ Delayed school admissions for summer-born pupils: 2025
Summer-born children starting school: advice for parents – GOV.UK
Guidance on handling admission requests for summer-born children – GOV.UK
