Should I hold back my July-born daughter from starting school at 4 in the UK?

Hi all,

My daughter is a July 2021 baby, and we’re debating whether to defer her Reception start to age 5 rather than sending her when she’s still 4. She’s very capable, emotionally advanced, and thriving in a play-based forest school. However, I’ve been reading research that younger children in their cohort often face more challenges, particularly in emotional regulation and confidence, and that delaying can give them more time to mature socially and academically.

We’re leaning toward holding her back, but I have a few concerns:

• Could being the oldest make her feel “different” later on?
• Is the extra year of play-based learning worth the financial stretch of continuing childcare for another year?
• If younger children tend to catch up academically by secondary school, is this delay truly necessary?

I’d love to hear from parents who’ve made similar decisions in the UK:

• Did you hold your child back, and how did it affect their school experience long-term?
• If you didn’t delay, how did your younger-in-the-cohort child adapt?

Thanks so much for your thoughts and experiences—I’m hoping this can help me feel more confident about the decision! 😊

edit: thanks for all of the thoughtful responses - two things I want to clarify 1) I am not worried about her not keeping up academically and I don’t even think pushing academics at a young age is that important 2) my biggest concern is entering a regimented world sooner than she has to, because I think play is paramount in terms of childhood. (Think: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEQKlXSPpUF/?igsh=Y2MwczM0dmFxNm9o)