Choose Your Country
United States
Kindergarten eligibility by state with cut-off dates
Typical Age: 5 years old
Start Date: August/September
Cut-off: Varies by state
United Kingdom
Reception class and Primary 1 requirements
England/Wales: 4 years old
Scotland: 5 years old
Start Date: September (Aug in Scotland)
Canada
Kindergarten eligibility by province
Typical Age: 5 years old
Start Date: September
Cut-off: December 31st (varies)
Australia
Prep and kindergarten by state
Typical Age: 5 years old
Start Date: January/February
Cut-off: April 30th (varies)
More Countries Coming Soon
We're working on adding school age calculators for additional countries including:
How School Starting Ages Vary Worldwide
Common Starting Ages
- Age 4: UK (England/Wales), Northern Ireland
- Age 5: USA, Canada, Australia, Philippines
- Age 6: Most European countries, many Asian countries
- Age 7: Finland, some Scandinavian countries
Key Factors
- • Cut-off dates (birthday deadline for school year)
- • Regional variations within countries
- • Different education system structures
- • Cultural and developmental considerations
Popular International School Age Searches
🇺🇸 USA Searches
🇬🇧 UK Searches
🇨🇦 Canada Searches
🇦🇺 Australia Searches
🌍 Global Searches
Frequently Asked Questions
What if we're moving between countries?
Each country has different school entry requirements. Check both your current and destination country's requirements, and contact schools directly for international transfers.
Can my child start school early or late?
Most countries allow early entry (acceleration) or delayed entry (redshirting) in certain circumstances. Requirements vary significantly by location and typically require approval from education authorities.
Are cut-off dates the same everywhere?
No, cut-off dates vary significantly. For example, the USA has different dates by state, while Australia uses April 30th in most states but July 31st in others.
What documents do I need for school enrollment?
Common requirements include birth certificate, proof of residence, immunization records, and sometimes previous school records. International families may need additional documentation.