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Last Updated: 02 August 2023

Defer from commencement of Primary 1 or Junior 1

You can apply to defer or delay your child’s entry into Primary 1 (P1) of a mainstream school or Junior 1 (J1) of a government-funded special education school if they are not ready for formal schooling due to exceptional circumstances. Find out how to apply.

Overview

If your child's birthday falls on 1 January 2018, they are due for P1 in 2024 as they will be 6 years old as of 1 January 2024. 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 2025 instead, you can apply to defer their commencement of P1 or J1 by one year.

MOE also recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances whereby a child may not be ready for formal schooling due to medical conditions or other circumstances. In such circumstances, you may wish to seek deferment of the commencement of P1 or J1 for your child.

Any deferment application is subjected to MOE's approval.

When to apply

You will need to apply for a deferment between January and September one year before your child is due to start P1 or J1.

If your child is due to start P1 or J1 in 2024, you will have to apply for a deferment between January and September 2023.

How to apply

Submit an online application for deferment.

Upcoming changes for the 2025 P1 cohort

If your child's birthday falls on or after 2 January 2018, and you wish to apply for their deferment from their commencement of P1 or J1, you will need to:
  • Submit an online deferment application between January and May in the year before they are due to start P1 or J1.
  • Submit a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) report(1.2MB) completed by a qualified professional to support the application if your child has been diagnosed with medical conditions or other circumstances. The CNA will help MOE understand and support your child’s educational needs.