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What year is my child in at school in Scotland?

In 2026/27, children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022 are in P1. Scottish school years run from 1 March to the end of February.

The school stage appears hereEnter a date of birth. Nothing you type leaves this page.

Scottish school stages in 2026/27

StageBorn between
P11 March 2021 and 28 February 2022
P21 March 2020 and 28 February 2021
P31 March 2019 and 29 February 2020
P41 March 2018 and 28 February 2019
P51 March 2017 and 28 February 2018
P61 March 2016 and 28 February 2017
P71 March 2015 and 29 February 2016
S11 March 2014 and 28 February 2015
S21 March 2013 and 28 February 2014
S31 March 2012 and 28 February 2013
S41 March 2011 and 29 February 2012
S51 March 2010 and 28 February 2011
S61 March 2009 and 28 February 2010

Each stage covers births from two calendar years. The table assumes your child started P1 at the normal time. A deferred child is one stage lower.

How the stages work

Primary school runs from P1 to P7. Secondary school runs from S1 to S6. Most pupils sit National 5 exams in S4 and Highers in S5 or S6.

S5 and S6 are optional. Pupils can leave on their school leaving date, which depends on when they turn 16.

Comparing with England

England groups children from 1 September to 31 August. Scotland uses 1 March to the end of February. So a Scottish class splits across two English year groups.

  • Born March to August: the same number as the English year. A P4 pupil born in May 2018 would be in Year 4.
  • Born September to February: one year lower in England. A P4 pupil born in November 2018 would be in Year 3.

P1 matches Year 1 for older pupils and Reception for younger ones. S1 matches Year 8 or Year 7.

Moving between Scotland and England

Ask the new school which class your child will join. Do this early if the move falls near P7 or S1.

Quick answers

What year is a 10 year old in Scotland?

It depends on their birthday. In 2026/27, children born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017 are in P6. They all turn 10 during the year.

What is P7 in England?

P7 matches Year 7 for pupils born March to August, and Year 6 for pupils born September to February.

Is S6 compulsory in Scotland?

No. Pupils can leave on their school leaving date, at 15 or 16. S5 and S6 are optional.