Age Requirements & Year Placement

Age Placement

School Age Cut-off Requirements

To support children’s wellbeing and readiness for school, education authorities have introduced age cut-off requirements that ensure children begin their learning journey at the most appropriate developmental stage, while also creating consistency across schools and Early Years providers.

These requirements apply to new student admissions from the 2026–27 academic year. *

*These age eligibility requirements apply to children enrolling in a school or Early Childhood Centre for the first time, in accordance with the approved age cut-off dates. Students who are currently enrolled in schools or ECCs will not be affected by this amendment.

Useful Information:

KHDA FAQs

 

Grade/Year

AY 2026-2027

Age

Pre-KG/FS1

As on 31st December 2026

3 years

KG1/FS2

As on 31st December 2026      

4 years

KG2/Year 1

As on 31st December 2026

5 years

Grade 1/Year 2

As on 31st December 2026

6 years

Grade 2/Year 3

Based on Transfer Certificate

7 years

Grade 3/Year 4

Based on Transfer Certificate

8 years

Grade 4/Year 5

Based on Transfer Certificate

9 years

Grade 5/Year 6

Based on Transfer Certificate

10 years

Grade 6/Year 7

Based on Transfer Certificate      

11 years

Grade 7/Year 8

Based on Transfer Certificate

12 years

Grade 8/Year 9

Based on Transfer Certificate

13 years

Grade 9/Year 10

Based on Transfer Certificate

14 years

Grade 10/Year 11

Based on Transfer Certificate

15 years

Grade 11/Year 12

Based on Transfer Certificate

16 years

Grade 12/Year 13

Based on Transfer Certificate

17 years

*Applicable for all new FS1/Pre-KG – Year 2/Grade 1

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