Apply for early entry to school

Children usually start school in Primary 1 in the August after their 5th birthday.

Children who reach the age of 5 between 1 March 2026 and 28 February 2027 should start primary school in August 2026.

However, if your child’s 5th birthday falls after the last day of February, you can request early entry to school. 

Early entry is not automatically granted. We consider each request individually, based on the wellbeing and developmental needs of the child.

Starting school early is a significant decision. Children develop at different rates, and readiness for school is not based on age alone.

It’s important that you consider your child’s overall wellbeing, development and individual needs.

You should speak with your child’s early learning and childcare setting, as well as any other professionals who know your child well.

What you should consider

Physical development

You should consider whether your child is ready to take part in a full school day, including managing routines, activities, and time spent learning and playing.

Emotional and social development

Children who start school early will be younger than others in their class.  

You should think about how your child manages separation, forms friendships, and takes part in group activities.

Learning and play

Children learn in lots of different ways, including through play, exploring, spending time with others, and everyday family experiences. This continues when they start school.

In Primary 1 (P1), children take part in play-based and active learning, but the day is usually more structured than in an early learning and childcare setting.

For some children, having more time in an early learning and childcare (nursery) setting can be really valuable. 

Early learning and childcare settings often offer more flexibility and more time for child-led play.

Long-term considerations

You should consider how starting school early may affect your child as they move through primary and secondary school and beyond, including transitions between stages and their age compared to peers.

Apply for early entry to school online

You can apply for early entry to school at any time during the year.  

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Your application will be considered by senior management within the primary school sector.

This may include discussion with you and relevant professionals, and an assessment of your child based on their involvement in developmentally appropriate play-based experiences.

We’ll inform you of the decision after the assessment.

Appeal process

There is no right of appeal against the refusal of an early entry to school application, under the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.  

If your application was refused, you do have the right to seek independent legal advice.