Last Updated: 15 February 2022
Defer from commencement of Primary 1 or Junior 1
If you have valid reasons, you can apply to defer or delay your child’s entry into Primary 1 (P1) of a mainstream school, or Junior 1 (J1)/P1 of a government-funded special education (SPED) school. Find out how to apply.
Overview
If you feel that your child may not be ready for formal schooling due to their medical conditions, special educational needs, delayed or slower progression or other circumstances, you can apply to defer their commencement of P1 or J1 by 1 year. Your application must be supported by a qualified health professional.For P1 registration of children born 2 January 2016 to 1 January 2017:
If your child's birthday falls on 1 January 2017, they are due for P1 in 2023 as they will be 6 years old as of 1 January 2023. However, this will mean that they will attend P1 or J1 one year earlier than their peers born in the same year.
If you want your child to enter primary school on 2 January 2024 instead, you will have to apply for a deferment.
If your child's birthday falls on 1 January 2017, they are due for P1 in 2023 as they will be 6 years old as of 1 January 2023. However, this will mean that they will attend P1 or J1 one year earlier than their peers born in the same year.
If you want your child to enter primary school on 2 January 2024 instead, you will have to apply for a deferment.
When to apply
You will need to apply for a deferment between January and September 1 year before your child is due to start P1 or J1.If your child is due to start P1 or J1 in 2023, you will have to apply for a deferment between January and September 2022.