Cut-off date
The birth date that decides which school year group a child joins, such as 1 September in England and Wales, 1 July in NI, 1 March in Scotland and varying dates by state in the US.
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ), United States
- Topic
- Policy and law
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- School starting age All four UK nations (details may differ) United States International
- The age at which children begin school; in the UK this is typically 4 or 5, earlier than in most countries.
- Year group All four UK nations (details may differ)
- All the pupils in a school born within the same academic year cohort, such as Year 5. US: grade.
More terms: Policy and law
Class size · Compulsory school age · COPPA · Elective home education · ESA (education savings account) · ESEA
More terms starting with C · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.