Petition · Department for Education

Raise the age of compulsory education in England to Six & reform Early Education

Closed 778 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the Government to raise the age of compulsory education in England to six, and reform early years education by prioritising play-based, developmentally appropriate learning, and requiring teacher training courses to include core modules on child development and attachment theory.
We believe children in England start school too early, often before they’re developmentally ready, which we believe harms mental health and self-esteem. We feel many teachers, often without training in child development, face unrealistic expectations—impacting their own wellbeing and driving many to leave the profession. We believe countries with later school starting ages and play-based learning see better outcomes for children and teachers. We believe we need a system that supports both.

Timeline

6 Jun 2025 Petition opened for signatures
6 Dec 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 778
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 6 Jun 2025
Closed 6 Dec 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 2 Aug 2026.