what age do children start school in england

Your child must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday – whichever comes first. If your child’s fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date.
If you do not think your child is ready to start school by then, they can start part-way through the year or part time – as long as they are in full-time education by the time they reach ‘compulsory school age’.

• children who will turn 5 between 1st January and 31st March are of compulsory school age at the beginning of the term after 1st April
• children who will turn 5 between 1st April and 31st August are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st September
• children who will turn 5 between 1st September and 31st December are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st January.

Your parents, by law, must make sure that you are in full-time education from the term after your fifth birthday. This is called compulsory school age. From this age, you must either be in school or receive home education.

Hi everyone, I’m currently living in Holland but wanting to return to England for when my daughter is due to start school. She will turn 4yrs old Nov 2015. Will I miss the intake that yr and have to wait a whole year before she can start full time? Totally clueless, I’m afraid, so if anyone can clarify that’d be a huge help!
I’m getting conflicting info from people back in UK. Does it depend on the area? I will be moving to the North Tyneside area but can’t be more specific at present.

References:

http://lawstuff.org.uk/education/when-do-i-have-to-go-to-school/
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/preschool/2191968-At-what-age-do-kids-start-full-time-school-in-England
http://www.britannica.com/topic/comprehensive-school