All children who will reach the age of five on or before the start of the new school session on 19th August 2025 should start primary school in August 2025. Children who reach the age of five after the start of the new school session in August 2025, but before the last day of February 2026 may also be enrolled for primary school in August 2025. Whilst placing requests for P1 can be submitted at any time and are classed as ‘on time’ applications if submitted on or before the 15 March, we encourage you to apply for P1 from the start of term on 6th January 2025 to 22nd January 2025.
Your support in submitting your application within this time frame is appreciated and assists schools with planning for the new school year. Before you apply for a school place online you will need to set up an account. This can help you track the progress of your application.
You will need to provide us with evidence of where you live, your child’s birth certificate and any other information specific to your child.
You can upload these to the form when you apply. We will accept photographs of documents as long as we can see the whole document clearly.
You can enter your postcode on our school zone map to find your zoned school.
You have the right to apply for a place at any school in Aberdeen City, but if you do not apply for your zoned school we can't guarantee you a place there. We advise that you apply for both your zoned school and your preferred school.
Deferring entry to Primary 1
Children who are resident in Aberdeen City, and whose fifth birthday falls between 19th August 2025 and the end of February 2026, will automatically be entitled to an additional year of funded ELC if parents or carers wish.
For those who may be considering deferring their child’s entry to primary 1, it may be helpful to discuss this with key staff in your child’s ELC setting who are currently supporting your child’s learning journey. ELC settings can share a copy of the Deferred Entry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) leaflet, also available via our website. No application for deferral will be necessary, however we will gather data which may be shared with the Scottish Government.
Early entry to Primary 1
Children normally start school aged between 4 and a half and 5 and a half, depending on when the child’s birthday falls. Parents can request that children younger than this be admitted to their zoned school. This is known as an Early Entry Request. It is not the same as a Placing Request as you cannot request in law that your child start early in a school other than your local catchment school. For those wishing to apply for Early Entry, application should be made in writing to the Head Teacher of your zoned school, no later than 28th February of the year you wish your child to start school. You will be informed of the decision by letter in May. The Head Teacher of the school applied for will assess each case individually to determine whether the education normally provided in the school is suited to the ability and aptitude of the child.
As a consequence of early admission to school your child would be younger than the other pupils in the class. This may present difficulties in relation to:
- Separation from parents
- Making friends and working with other children in the class
- Activities within the classroom and playground
- Your child’s ability to cope in different situations
- Conforming to a more formal classroom organisation
For those wishing to apply for Early Entry, application should be made in writing to the Head Teacher of your zoned school, no later than 28th February of the year you wish your child to start school. You will be informed of the decision by letter in May.
This is known as an Early Entry Request. It is not the same as a Placing Request as you cannot request in law that your child start early in a school other than your local catchment school.