The exact year your child will start school in Scotland depends on their specific birth date and when their fifth birthday falls.
Compulsory School Starting Age in Scotland
In Scotland, the law specifies a compulsory age for children to begin Primary 1 (P1). A child must start P1 if their fifth birthday occurs within a defined period:
- Between March 1st and the first day of term in August of a given calendar year.
This means that if your child's fifth birthday falls on or after March 1st but before the first day of the school term in August of a particular year, they are legally required to begin school in the August of that same year. This regulation has been in effect since 1880 and is part of the Education Act.
Determining Your Child's Compulsory School Start Year
To identify the compulsory year your child will go to school, you will need to know their date of birth. Apply the following rule based on when their fifth birthday occurs:
| Child's Fifth Birthday Occurs | Compulsory School Start Year | Age at School Start (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| March 1st to the First Day of Term in August (e.g., in 2025) | August of that same year | 5 years |
Example Scenarios:
-
Child's Fifth Birthday: April 20th, 2027
- As April 20th falls between March 1st and the first day of term in August 2027, your child must start Primary 1 in August 2027.
-
Child's Fifth Birthday: July 1st, 2028
- Since July 1st falls within the specified window for 2028, your child must start Primary 1 in August 2028.
Note on Other Birth Dates:
For children whose fifth birthday falls outside this specific compulsory window (i.e., before March 1st or after the first day of term in August), the immediate compulsory start rule as defined above does not apply to that particular August intake. While they may still be eligible to start school, the decision-making process and potential for deferred entry can vary.
