Some parents may believe it is in their child’s best interests to delay entry to an infant and primary school.

How to request a delay

If you wish to delay your child’s application, you need to make the request by 15 January 2024. We will still process any requests received after this date. However, it may take longer to respond.

Parents who want to delay their application should also submit a ‘normal’ application for their child’s age by 15 January 2024 in case the delay request is not accepted. If it is accepted, we can cancel the ‘normal’ application.

There is no legal barrier to children being admitted outside their normal year group, but it is relatively uncommon. Complete the form below if you would like to make a formal request. It will be for the admissions authority for the relevant school to decide.

Who makes the decision?

Decisions on delay requests are made by the Governors, or Board of Directors, for academies, free schools and church aided schools. The decision for community schools is made by the Admissions and Transport Services Manager, in liaison with headteachers.

What happens next?

If the request is agreed to, it does not guarantee a place for your child at your preferred school and adds no weight to the application. The application will be considered alongside all others and any available places will be allocated in accordance with the school’s published admissions rules.

If the request is refused, there is no right of appeal against the decision, and you should submit an application for infant or primary school no later than 15 January 2024 to start during the 2024/25 academic year.

Further information

Full information (pdf format, 72Kb) on delays (admission outside the normal age group)