Early entry to school

Children normally start school in August if their 5th birthday is before 1 March of the following year.

Applying for early entry

If your child's birthday is after 1 March, you can still apply for them to be admitted early. Before you apply, consider whether early entry is right for your child:

• Will your child be able to manage physically and emotionally in a classroom setting for five hours a day with older children, some of whom may be more than a year older?
• They may miss out on the more informal learning they would get from parents, friends and other experiences that support a young child's emotional and social development.
• Even if your child copes at first, studies show that when they reach school leaving age, they may not be as physically or emotionally mature as their classmates.
• They may be too young to access some higher education courses.

Request an early entry form

If you still want to apply for early entry, email Edsuppserv.helpline@southlanarkshire.gov.uk to request a copy of the early entry to school form.

Normal school admissions

For normal admissions to school, parents should register their child in January before the academic year starts in August. Read more about enrolling your child for school.