Deferred entry to primary school
Children in Scotland usually start school between the ages of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months.
Children who turn 5 between:
- the start of the school year
- and the end of February
have a choice about enrolling for primary school. Most parents/carers choose to send their child to school as soon as they are eligible to start. However they can apply to defer starting Primary 1 for a year.
All children who defer will be able to access an additional year of funded early learning and childcare (ELC).
Apply for a deferred place
If you are considering applying to defer your child, read our guidance (PDF).
Then speak to staff about deferring at your child’s early learning and childcare setting or childminder.
The application form is available below. You will need to fill it in with the head teacher or manager of your child’s setting or their childminder. They will send it in on your behalf:
Important
You must register children for primary school while your deferred entry application is pending.
Apply for a retained year
In exceptional circumstances, children who are 5 when school term starts can delay starting primary school. This is only when it is in the best interests of the child to have an additional year of early learning and childcare.
If you are considering applying for a retained year for your child, read our guidance (PDF).
Then speak to staff about a retained year at your child’s early learning and childcare setting or childminder.
The application form is available below. You will need to fill it in with the head teacher or manager of your child’s setting or their childminder. They will send it in on your behalf:
Important
You must register children for primary school while your retained year application is pending.