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