Starting P1 in Aberdeen City
Starting Primary 1 in Aberdeen City
All children who will reach the age of five on or before the start of the new school session in August 2020 should start primary school in August 2020. Children who reach the age of five after the start of the new school session in August 2020, but before the last day of February 2021 may also be enrolled for primary school in August 2020.
Applications for P.1 should be made by 24th January 2020.
Before you apply for a school place online, you will need to set up an account. This is so you can 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 case. 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
If your child will turn five after 19 August 2020 but on or before 28 February 2021, you may choose not to enrol them at school until August 2021.
Children with August to December birthdays are not automatically entitled to an additional year of early learning and childcare. We will only provide a place where there is a sound educational reason to defer. Requests are considered by a panel in February 2020. The staff at your child’s early learning and childcare centre will help you to complete a request form.
If you choose to defer entry to primary school and the child has a January or February birthday, the child will be guaranteed an early learning and childcare place in his/her deferred year. You only need to complete a standard application form.
Early entry to Primary 1
Parents can request early entry to primary school. We do not normally admit children who are five after the February 2021 closing date.
The Head Teacher of your chosen school will consider your application for early entry to Primary 1. They will assess the child’s ability and aptitude but must consider wider issues including whether the primary class can suitably meet the needs of the child.