Hi
The school year runs with a rather more sensible January to December arrangement! Children are able start school on their 5th birthday (not before), but must attend by the age of 6.

Also, there are normally middle schools instead of the primary to secondary leap that the UK have. I cant recall the specific age range that attend middle school, but I believe it is for 2 years at roughly age 11 until they are 13 (someone correct me if i'm wrong!)

Hope that gives you a bit of an insight, just dont quote me on accuracy!

All the best