When will my child move up? Try our new Moving Up timeline
Enter your child's date of birth and see when they'll move up to each section, from Beavers to Explorers. It works on your phone and nothing you enter is saved.
“When does my child go up to Cubs?” is one of the questions we’re asked most. Now you can check for yourself.
Our new Moving Up timeline is on the Members area of the website. Enter your child’s date of birth and it shows when they’ll be eligible for each section, with the date of their next move picked out at the top.
How it works
Pick your child’s date of birth and select Show timeline.
The timeline does the rest. It tells you which section your child is in now, highlights their next step and how many weeks away it is, and lists every section after that, all the way to their 18th birthday.
Illustrative device mockup based on the timeline for a fictional child born on 14 March 2019. Screens captured in November 2026; the countdown changes over time.
Why it isn’t on their birthday
We move young people up twice a year, not on their birthday: after the summer (the last Monday in August) and in January (the first meeting back). Moving up together means friends go up as a group and leaders can plan a proper welcome. The timeline picks the move-up point nearest your child’s birthday, so you can see the date at a glance.
The dates are a guide. Your child’s leader will confirm the exact date nearer the time.
Made for your phone
The timeline works just as well on a phone, so you can check it at the school gate.
Your child’s details stay with you
The timeline is worked out on the page itself. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere, so you can try it as often as you like.
You’ll also find it in the Getting ready part of the Members Hub and in our welcome guide for new families.