And there is no better way to mark the huge moment than with lovely photos of the classes in their first school uniforms, with the first class mates and first teachers.
Every year Chronicle & Echo features a photo round-up of reception classes, from pictures submitted by schools.
The pictures show children beaming proudly surrounded by their new class mates. The pictures appeared in the print edition of this newspaper In November - now we are publishing the images online.
Below are 42 pictures of reception classes across Northampton and beyond – spot anyone you know?
21. First Class pictures in Northampton
Upton Meadows Primary School - RKC Class. Photo: Submitted
22. First Class pictures in Northampton
Kingsley Primary School - Miss Scutchings. Photo: Submitted
23. First Class pictures in Northampton
Kingsley Primary School - Miss Goodridge. Photo: Submitted
24. First Class pictures in Northampton
St James Primary School - Squirrel Class. Photo: Submitted