Parliament to debate extending school entry for December-born pupils

TDT | Manama

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Parliament will debate on Tuesday a proposal to allow children who turn six by 31 December to start Year 1, closing a gap that has delayed pupils with late-year birthdays. The Services Committee backs the amendment unanimously.

The bill would revise Article 6 of the Education Law, redefining the compulsory schooling age and affirming that parents or guardians must ensure attendance for at least nine academic years. Supporters cite Article 7(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory early education and calls for efforts to eliminate illiteracy.

The Government and Ministry of Education argue that the current law already allows admission of children slightly younger than six at the start of the school year, subject to rules and space. Many countries similarly set six as the school-entry age with a fixed cutoff month. A 2008 decision allows registration up to 31 August for children born no later than 31 December, and a 2022 Cabinet approval widened entry for early-age pupils starting the 2023–2024 school year.

If approved, the law’s title would be updated to “Amending certain provisions of Law No. 27 of 2005 on Education”, reflecting the new definition of compulsory schooling age alongside the revised Article 6.