A study has found that children who start kindergarten a year later than they are eligible perform better at school.

In both NSW and Queensland, kids can start school at four-years-old if they turn five by July that year.

A UNSW study has found a quarter of children in NSW start school a year later, with affluent parents more likely to keep their children home for an extra year.

Co-author of the study, Associate Professor Ben Edwards, tells Luke Grant the study found the kids who were held back perform better than their younger classmates.

“They have higher levels of social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills.”

Professor Edwards also gives advice to parents on what they should think about when deciding if their children are ready to start school.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview