Deferred entry to Primary 1

Most children start school when they are between 4 years 6 months and 5 years old but it is possible to start children later depending on the circumstances. This is called deferred entry. You can choose for your child to start primary school later if they turn five from the school start date in August and before the last day of February. Children with a birthday between the first day of March and the first day of school in August do not have an automatic right to defer entry to school, but parents can still apply on the grounds of Additional Support for Learning needs. Further information can be found at: Deferred entry to Primary 1 – Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Learning Centres

For those children with an identified multiple moderate or severe and complex need, we support their transition from Early Learning and Childcare settings to our Learning Centres. Learning Centres are part of the wider school community. Placements can be within a Learning Centre or have “flexible access” between the Learning Centre and the Primary 1 class.

Each individual Centre has a combination of Teaching and Non-teaching staff. They have specialist knowledge, experience and training. Visiting specialists and Allied Health Professionals provide support. The time a child spends in a Learning Centre is dictated by their needs, not a diagnosis. As a parent you will be involved in this process, however for children who may attend a learning centre this is decided by a panel who look at the most appropriate setting to meet the needs of your child as all placements are based on individual need.

Visit our dedicated webpage for more information on Learning Centres (opens in a new tab).

Moving from Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)

Primary teachers work closely with ELC staff and parents to ensure that information about each child’s learning and achievements is passed on. This will help ensure that their learning and development continues without interruption. Staff will also share other information which will help the teacher to support each child’s learning – for example relevant health issues, friendship groups and preferred ways of working. For more information on School class sizes and grouping please visit Primary Class Organisation (opens in a new tab).

Education Services will support any decision made by the Headteacher following this criteria. In most cases single stage classes will be determined by age. If parents are unhappy with the class organisation, they should speak with the Headteacher in the first instance.

How to enrol in your school

Parents may opt for a place in any school they wish, at any time, but priority for a place will be granted to children from the recognised or ‘delineated’ catchment area. Information regarding catchment areas can be found on the Council’s website by accessing “Near Me”.

P1 Enrolment

Full details on how to enrol or move school are available from the school or on the Council’s website Get a primary school place – Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The school year starts in August and children enrol in the January before they start. Children turning 5 before the end of February will enrol in January to start school in August 2025. Children born between 1 September and the last day of February can choose to start primary school later. Children born between the first day of March and the last day of August can also apply for deferred entry.

Exact enrolment dates and instructions will be advertised online and in local papers once they’re confirmed. Visit www.dumgal.gov. uk/article/15241/School-places for more information P1 and S1 Enrolment 2025 – Dumfries and Galloway Council.

S1 Enrolment

Information regarding catchment areas can be found on the Council’s website by accessing “Near Me” For those young people leaving school.  Full details on how to enrol or move school are available from the school or on the Council’s website Get a secondary school place – Dumfries and Galloway Council. 

In September of Primary 7 pupils along with parents and carers will complete enrolment paperwork identifying their chosen Secondary School.  Once places have been allocated pupils, parents and carers will be notified and transition activity with their identified Secondary School will begin in January of Primary 7.