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School starting age

The age at which children begin school; in the UK this is typically 4 or 5, earlier than in most countries.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ), United States, International
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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Compulsory school age All four UK nations (details may differ)
The ages between which a child must receive full-time education. In England and Wales it starts from the term after a child's fifth birthday (Northern Ireland and Scotland start earlier and have their own rules) and runs to the end of the school year in which the child turns 16; the exact leaving date differs by nation.
Cut-off date All four UK nations (details may differ) United States
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.

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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.