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School Enrolment

Primary One Enrolment

In Scotland, there is one intake to Primary School in August of each year.

If your child’s birthday is on or between 1 March and the first day of school in August, your child will start school the beginning of the Autumn term when they are 5. If your child's 5th birthday is between the second day of the autumn term and the end of February your child can start school. However, you have the option to defer your child's entry to school. If you choose to defer your child, please confirm this with your Early Learning and Childcare setting and your child will automatically be carried forward for an additional year. You will not need to complete a registration form for Primary One.

To register your child for primary one, please use the Primary One registration form. 

How to decide what’s best for your child?

Choosing to defer when your child starts primary school is a big decision.

Before you make your mind up, its worth finding out a bit more about how primary one has changed over the last few years. Much of the learning in the early stages of primary school are based on play. This helps create a smooth transition for children moving from early learning and childcare into primary one.

Speak to your early learning and childcare manager or head teacher who will be able to give support and advice to help you make your decision. Further information about deferred entry can be found via the Parent Club Scotland website.

Primary One Enrolment

During enrolment week you need to complete an online enrolment form.  You will also find information on local schools as well as information on catchment areas from the ‘Related Links’ section of the page.

If you choose to defer your child, please confirm this with your Early Learning and Childcare setting and your child will automatically be carried forward for an additional year.  You will not therefore be required to complete a registration form for Primary One.

Placing Requests

Parents who wish to apply for a place at a school outwith their catchment area should complete Placing Request form. Further Information is available within the ‘School Placing Requests’ page which can also be accessed from the ‘Related Links’ section.

School transport is not available for placing requests.