Applications for a place outside the normal age group

It is expected that children will normally be educated within their chronological year group. However, when requested to do so by the parent, admission authorities will make decisions on the basis of the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child concerned in line with the School Admissions Code (December 2014). We are awaiting further guidance or a change to the School Admissions Code regarding this and would comply with new legislation. This may apply when a parent wishes to delay their summer born (April to August) child entry to full-time education in the reception year group until the following school year when they become of statutory school age. 
 

Parents or carers should make a request to the school in writing. This will need to include, where relevant, any supporting evidence. The Academy Trust will make a decision on the request, taking into account the views of the headteacher. The school will write to the parent or carer with the outcome including the reasons for the decision. If the request is refused, details of how to complain to the school will be given. A CAF1 application form must be sent to the Local Authority along with the decision letter(s) from the own admissions authority school(s) and other relevant evidence by the national closing dates. Even if the request is agreed there is no guarantee there will be a place available.

Deferred entry for the Reception Year  

Parents offered a place in the Reception Year for their child have a right to defer the date their child is admitted, or to take the place up part-time, until the child reaches compulsory school age. Places cannot be deferred beyond the beginning of the final term of the school year for which the offer was made.  
 
Children reach compulsory school age on the prescribed day following their fifth birthday (or on their fifth birthday if it falls on a prescribed day). The prescribed days are 31 August, 31 December and 31 March.