All children are entitled to start in a Reception class in the September after their fourth birthday. Children do not, however, have to start school in September if it is felt that they are not ready. The statutory school age, by which a child must start school, will remain as the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.
Download the Reception school allocation information for September 2022
Parents should be aware that if they choose to delay a child's entry to school until the following September, the child could go straight into Year 1 rather than Reception.
Please refer to and download our Policy for Delayed or Deferred Entry to Reception in a Telford and Wrekin School.
Requests to delay entry should be made by the parent in writing to the School Admissions Team, using the form to request to be educated out of year group. No later than the 31 December in the preceding year of the child's scheduled entry to reception class.
The application process will begin around twelve months before your child is eligible to start school.
| Date of birth | Apply between | Can start school |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September 2018 - 31 August 2019 | September 2022 - 15 January 2023 | September 2023 |
| 1 September 2019 - 31 August 2020 | September 2023 - 15 January 2024 | September 2024 |
| 1 September 2020 - 31 August 2021 | September 2024 - 15 January 2025 | September 2025 |
If your child was born between 1 September 2018 - 31 August 2019 you must apply for a Reception place in a primary school or infant school for the academic year 2023/2024.
View a list of:
If you are applying for a faith school or grammar school, you should check with the school whether you need to complete a supplementary information form. The supplementary forms should be obtained from, completed and returned to the school. A supplementary form is not an application for a school place.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) faith schools
Some faith schools have amended their admissions arrangements regarding church membership and worship to reflect the coronavirus. Please refer to individual schools for their up to date information.
Applying for school places for academic year 2023/2024
Getting to school
Another important thing that you should consider, before filling in your application form, is how your child will get to and from school. If you are applying for a faith school, the Local Authority no longer provides transport and you will have to make your own arrangements even if you have a child already attending that school. More information can be found by viewing the school travel assistance policy for exact criteria for school travel assistance eligibility.
We would advise you consider transport arrangement prior to making your school preferences. If you have any queries please contact the transport team before the closing date of the application process by emailing transport.contracts@telford.gov.uk.
Last updated: 21/02/2023 11:33
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