Defer Entry to School
You must have registered your child for primary 1 between 9-13 January 2023 before you can submit a defer entry application form (see under the Related Links heading).
All defer entry applications must be submitted by 1 February 2023.
From August 2023, a change in Scottish Government legislation means that parents have the legal right to defer a child's entry to primary school.
Children who have their 5th birthday between 1 March 2023 - 18 August 2023 must start school and are not eligible for a deferred year to primary school.
To defer a child's entry to primary school in session 2023-2024, their 5th birthday must fall on or between 19 August 2023 and 29 February 2024 (this will be children who are born between 19 August 2018 - 28 February 2019). After the Defer Entry Application has been completed and processed, a deferred year to school will automatically be granted.
For the deferred year, the current Early Learning and Childcare provider and model will continue. If you wish to change provider or model, you will need to contact your current Early Learning and Childcare provider, to complete a transfer form and this must be submitted by last day in February. Notification of any changes will be confirmed in May.