School Eligibility Age Checker - Preschool & Primary

Check eligibility for preschool (N1, N2, K1, K2) and Primary 1 in Singapore

Child's Date of Birth

ℹ️ View eligibility for preschool (N1, N2, K1, K2) and Primary 1 based on your child's birth date.

Singapore School & Preschool Eligibility Age Checker

This free tool helps parents in Singapore determine when their child is eligible for preschool (Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2) and Primary 1 registration. Simply enter your child's date of birth to instantly see their eligibility timeline for all levels from N1 through P1.

Quick Start Guide

Select Birth Date: Choose your child's date of birth from the date picker
Check Eligibility: Click the "Check Eligibility" button to see results
View Results: See if your child is eligible, what year they can start, and their age on January 1
Plan Ahead: Use this information to prepare for P1 registration timeline

About Singapore School Eligibility

In Singapore, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has specific age requirements for Primary 1 registration. Understanding these requirements is crucial for parents to plan their child's education journey.

Key Eligibility Criterion: A child must be at least 6 years old by January 1 of the year they enter Primary 1. This is the fundamental requirement set by MOE for all primary school admissions in Singapore.

For example, if your child was born on December 31, 2019, they would be eligible to start Primary 1 in 2026 because they will turn 6 years old on December 31, 2025, making them 6 years old on January 1, 2026.

This tool automatically calculates your child's eligibility based on their birth date and provides you with the exact year they can start Primary 1, helping you plan ahead for the registration process.

How to Use the School Eligibility Age Checker

Enter Your Child's Birth Date
Click on the date picker field and select your child's exact date of birth. You can navigate through months and years to find the correct date.
Click "Check Eligibility"
Once you've selected the birth date, click the button to calculate eligibility. The tool will instantly process the information.
Review the Results
The results will show:
- Eligibility status (Eligible or Not Eligible Yet)
- The school year your child can start Primary 1
- Your child's age on January 1 of that year
- Current age in years, months, and days
Plan Your Registration
Use this information to prepare for P1 registration, which typically occurs in the year before your child starts school.

Key Terms & Concepts

Primary 1 (P1)

The first year of primary school in Singapore. Children typically start P1 when they are 6 or 7 years old. Primary school education is compulsory in Singapore.

Age Eligibility Criterion

The requirement set by MOE that a child must be at least 6 years old by January 1 of the year they enter Primary 1. This is a firm requirement with no exceptions for younger children.

P1 Registration

The annual registration process for Primary 1 places in Singapore. Registration typically occurs in the year before the child starts school and follows a phased approach with different priority groups.

MOE (Ministry of Education)

The Singapore government ministry responsible for education policies, including school admission requirements and age eligibility criteria.

School Entry Year

The calendar year when a child will start Primary 1. For example, a child born in 2019 would have a school entry year of 2026 (when they turn 6 or 7).

Compulsory Education

Under the Compulsory Education Act, all children of compulsory school age who are citizens of Singapore must attend a national primary school regularly. The compulsory school age is from 6 to 15 years.

Common Use Cases

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Planning for P1 Registration: Parents can determine exactly when their child is eligible to start Primary 1 and plan accordingly for the registration process.
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Understanding Timeline: Know how many years until your child starts school, helping you prepare financially and educationally.
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Comparing with Peers: Check eligibility for multiple children or compare when siblings will start school.
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Relocation Planning: For families moving to Singapore, understand when their child can start in the local school system.
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Preschool Decisions: Plan preschool enrollment knowing when your child will transition to Primary 1.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Child Born in January 2020

Birth Date: January 15, 2020

Age on January 1, 2026: 5 years, 11 months, 17 days
Not eligible for 2026 (too young)
Age on January 1, 2027: 6 years, 11 months, 17 days
Eligible for Primary 1 in 2027

Example 2: Child Born in December 2019

Birth Date: December 31, 2019

Age on January 1, 2026: 6 years, 0 months, 1 day
Eligible for Primary 1 in 2026
This child just makes the cut-off date

Example 3: Child Born in July 2019

Birth Date: July 1, 2019

Age on January 1, 2026: 6 years, 6 months, 0 days
Eligible for Primary 1 in 2026
This child will be 6.5 years old when starting P1

Important Notes & Guidelines

Official MOE Requirement: The age eligibility criterion is based on official MOE guidelines. Children must be at least 6 years old by January 1 of the year they start Primary 1.

No Exceptions: MOE does not make exceptions to admit younger children, even if they are academically advanced.

Registration Timeline: P1 registration typically occurs in the year before your child starts school. For example, for 2027 entry, registration happens in 2026.

Singapore Citizens: Under the Compulsory Education Act, all Singapore citizen children of compulsory school age (6 to 15 years) must attend a national primary school.

For Reference Only: This tool provides guidance based on MOE requirements. For official confirmation and specific situations, please visit the MOE website or contact your preferred school.

Privacy: All calculations are performed in your browser. No birth date information is stored or transmitted to any server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for Primary 1 in Singapore?

Children must be at least 6 years old by January 1 of the year they enter Primary 1. This is the official requirement set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore. For example, to start Primary 1 in 2027, a child must turn 6 years old on or before January 1, 2027.

Can my child start Primary 1 if they turn 6 in March?

Yes, if your child turns 6 in March, they can start Primary 1 that same year because they will be 6 years old by January 1. For example, a child born in March 2019 will be 6 years old on January 1, 2026, and can start Primary 1 in 2026.

What if my child is born in January? Which year can they start?

If your child is born in January, they will start Primary 1 7 years after their birth year. For example, a child born in January 2020 will start Primary 1 in 2027 because they will be 7 years old on January 1, 2027.

When does P1 registration typically occur?

P1 registration typically occurs in the year before your child starts school. The registration is conducted in phases from July to October. For example, for children starting Primary 1 in 2027, registration would take place in mid-2026.

Can my child start school earlier if they are academically advanced?

No, MOE does not make exceptions to the age requirement, even for academically advanced children. All children must meet the minimum age criterion of being 6 years old by January 1 of the school entry year.

Is Primary 1 compulsory in Singapore?

Yes, under the Compulsory Education Act, all Singapore citizen children of compulsory school age (6 to 15 years) must attend a national primary school regularly. Parents must register their child for Primary 1 when they become eligible.

What happens if my child misses the January 1 cut-off by a few days?

If your child is born after January 1, they will have to wait until the following year to start Primary 1. For example, a child born on January 2, 2020, cannot start in 2026 but must wait until 2027.

How do I calculate which year my child will start Primary 1?

The calculation is based on your child's birth date. If born between January 2 and December 31, add 6 years to the birth year. If born on January 1, add 6 years. Our tool automatically calculates this for you.

What documents do I need for P1 registration?

While this tool checks age eligibility, you will need documents such as your child's birth certificate, identification documents, and proof of address for actual registration. Check the MOE website for the complete list of required documents.

Does this apply to international students?

The age requirement applies to all students, including international students. However, international students may have additional requirements and follow a different application process. Contact MOE or your preferred school for specific guidance on international student admissions.

Can I use this tool for children born in other countries?

Yes, you can use this tool regardless of where your child was born. The eligibility calculation is based on age and the Singapore MOE requirements. However, for immigration and residency status requirements, please consult with MOE or immigration authorities.

What if I have twins or multiple children?

You can check eligibility for each child separately. Twins or siblings born in the same year will typically be eligible for the same Primary 1 entry year. Use the tool multiple times to check each child's specific eligibility.