What the future holds for the Royal summer baby

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child is due in July. Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire/Press Association Images

As it is confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child is due in July, research suggests, like all summer babies, they might not enjoy school early on but do have less chance of becoming a teenage tearaway.

Research shows summer babies, who usually start school shortly after turning four, are also 1.5 per cent less likely to go university than those born in September.

Being born in July or August can also impact on GCSE grades, with those born in these months likely to get two grades lower than a September-born pupil.

Read: William and Kate expecting royal baby in July

Ellen Greaves, research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said:

Summer babies are less likely to be a teenage tearaway, research has shown. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Ms Greaves said the think tank's research in England and Wales also showed significant differences in attainment when children were assessed at the ages of seven and 11.

"At seven, the gap (between September and summer born children) is similar to that of children born to mothers with a degree and those with no qualifications."

The differences seem to stem for having to take tests at a younger age, she said.

Ms Greaves added: "We also found using survey information that children at age seven are less likely to enjoy school if they're born in the summer months but that this doesn't continue through school."

Summer born children are, however, less likely to indulge in adolescent smoking and drinking.

"We actually found that children born in the summer months are less likely to take on risky behaviour such as smoking or drinking in their teenage years, which is a positive aspect," Ms Greaves said.

"But by the time they are 18 there is no difference."

It was announced William and Kate were expecting a baby in December. Credit: Paul Rogers/The Times/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Read: William and Kate announce they are expecting their first child

Mumsnet founder and CEO Justine Roberts says there are also many benefits to having a baby in the summer time:

Read: Kate released from hospital after treatment for severe morning sickness

Schools in England and Wales offer places to all children from the autumn term after their fourth birthday, but parents can request to delay admission.

Legally children do not have to be in full time education until the term after their fifth birthday.