Deferred entry to Primary 1
Most children start school when they are between 4 years 6 months and 5 years old but it is possible to start children later depending on the circumstances. This is called deferred entry.
Children with the date of birth between 21 August 2020 and 29 February 2021 are automatically entitled to defer entry and receive an extra year of funded early learning and childcare. There's no need to formally apply for a deferred entry to school. However, you will need to apply for a nursery place at a provider of your choice. The deadline for decisions on entry to school or nursery must be made by Friday 14 March 2025.
Children with a date of birth between 1 March 2020 and 20 August 2020 do not have an automatic right to defer entry to Primary School or be entitled to a funded early learning and childcare place. However, you can apply for special consideration for a deferred year you should complete the online form .
The application deadline for the 2025/26 academic year is Friday 6 December 2024.
Things to consider
The first thing to do is talk to staff at the nursery or the head teacher at the school about your child's development.
You'll also need to remember to apply for a school place even if you are still trying to decide whether your child should start school later or not. Any delays in applying can mean you lose a priority place at your child's catchment school.
Please forward any queries to elcdeferredentry@dumgal.gov.uk
Further information
