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

can apply to defer starting Primary 1 for a year.

From August 2023 if you are granted a deferral, you will be able to access a further year of funded quality Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). 

We will publish more information and guidance on the deferral process soon.

Apply for a deferred place

• Deferral application form will be available here soon.
• Retained entry application form (PDF)