Several hundred parents have submitted a petition to Parliament requesting a transitional age exception for first-graders in the 2026-2027 school year. The petition, registered by Mariam Bokhua, calls for children born between 16 September and 31 December 2020 to be allowed to start first grade voluntarily or based on a school readiness assessment. The Procedural Issues Committee is reviewing the petition and verifying the signatures.
The parents argue that the recent change in the Law on General Education, setting the minimum enrollment age at six by 15 September, was introduced shortly before school registration. Many children had already completed preschool programs and were prepared for first grade, and changing the rule mid-year could create stress, reduce motivation, and force children to repeat programs unnecessarily.
The petition emphasizes that children born in the specified period are often emotionally and cognitively ready, with sufficient attention span and self-discipline. Allowing a transitional provision would enable a fair and proportional transition, protecting their best interests, social-emotional well-being, and age-appropriate development.
Parliament is expected to decide whether to include the exception for 2026-2027, to ensure children’s preparedness and avoid disruption to their educational progress. The Ministry of Education currently defines the minimum age for starting primary school as six years old by 15 September.
