School systems

[Mecki]

No: HPFGUIDX 28960

I don't know if this works for English schools, but this is how it 
works in Germany(mostly):

The set date is July31st (!). So any child turning 6 before that date 
*has* to go to school ( except medical reasons for an extra-year 
home). Children born August1st to December31st *may* go to school, if 
the parents wish to send them, and the the medical examination before 
school-starts says they have the "school-maturity" to attend.
Seeing Hermiones reaction both in class and outside, she could indeed 
be younger than her classmates, if this is the kind of rule JKR uses!

Mecki