Overview
- The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council approved the Ministry of Education’s shift from an August 31 to a December 31 cutoff starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
- The change applies to schools and kindergartens that begin in August or September, while April-start schools retain the March 31 cutoff.
- The update covers new admissions only, leaving current students unaffected, with required ages by December 31 set at 3 for Pre-K, 4 for KG1, 5 for KG2, and 6 for Grade 1.
- Students transferring schools, switching curricula, or arriving from abroad will be placed according to the last successfully completed grade using approved equivalency procedures.
- Officials say the policy follows national and international evidence showing no significant academic disadvantage from earlier entry, as parents welcome added flexibility and educators emphasize assessing readiness.