Register for primary one

Children start primary one in August and registrations take place in January each year. The year they start depends on when they turn 5.

If your child’s fifth birthday is between 1st March 2025 and 28th February 2026, you can register them in January 2025 to start attending school in August 2025.

All primary one children should be enrolled at their catchment (in-zone) school even when an application is being made for an out of zone school as there is no guarantee that an out of zone application will be successful.

Out of zone requests

Children usually attend a school close to where they live. However, you can request that your child goes to a school in another zone.

How to apply  

13th to 17th January 2025: registration period for school places for term 2024/25

Here is what you need to do to enrol your child for primary one:

• Find your local school on the school zone map
• Enrol your child to primary one in catchment school

What to do in August

When your child starts school in August, you will need to bring:

• your child’s original birth certificate
• proof of address such as a recent utility bill or a bank statement

Or alternatively you can email a copy to the school email address. View primary schools contact details.

The school will check these documents. Please see the school’s annual handbook which has information about school policies.

All schools in Aberdeenshire have a common start date but when your child is enrolled, the school will provide you details. View school term dates for more information.

Contact

If you need further advice please contact the school you have applied for a school place, or alternatively please email education@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.