Preschool Entry Lowered to Five, Standard One to Six from 2027 | KiddyNews

Parents will have greater flexibility in deciding when their children begin formal schooling, following the government’s decision to lower the preschool entry age to five and allow children to start Year One at six from 2027.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move reflects changing educational needs while recognising that children develop at different paces.

“Parents may choose for their children to enter Year One at either six or seven years old. This is not compulsory and depends on the child’s readiness,” he said at the launch of the National Education Blueprint 2026–2035 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Parental Choice and Child Readiness Prioritised

Anwar stressed that the policy is optional, allowing parents to decide what is best for their children.

“We are not forcing this. Some children may not be ready, and parents are in the best position to make that judgement,” he said.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek echoed this, emphasising that emotional and psychological readiness will be prioritised over age alone.

“Our focus is to avoid any negative impact on a child’s early development. Parents play a vital role, and the ministry will support them through diagnostic assessments,” she told reporters after the event.

Guidelines and School Preparedness Under Review

Fadhlina said the Education Ministry will issue clear guidelines on enrolling six-year-olds into Year One, while the current policy allowing seven-year-olds to begin primary school will remain in place.

She added that the ministry will conduct data collection to assess schools’ readiness to receive younger students, ensuring infrastructure, teaching capacity and support systems are adequate.

“We want to ensure the transition is smooth and that schools are fully prepared,” she said.

Earlier Start to Preschool Education

Under the revised framework, preschool education will begin at age five, with the Education Ministry taking a central role in standardising and coordinating implementation nationwide.

Anwar said additional funding will be provided to strengthen early childhood education, including facilities and resources, particularly for younger children.

“Preparations are being expedited. Both ministries, together with the Finance and Economy ministries, have been directed to ensure basic facilities are improved,” he said.

Policy Brought Forward to Meet National Goals

The Prime Minister said the changes were originally planned for implementation in 2029 or 2030, but were brought forward to help Malaysia meet its long-term education and development objectives.

He added that children today are more exposed to learning at an earlier age, making the adjustment timely.

Earlier Exposure to Skills-Based Learning

As part of broader education reforms, Anwar also announced that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including STEM and digital-related courses, will be introduced from Form One instead of Form Three.

This, he said, will allow students to explore specialised learning pathways earlier and better prepare them for future careers.

What This Means for Parents and Children

For families, the revised entry ages offer greater choice and reassurance that schooling decisions can be tailored to a child’s individual readiness.

Education leaders said the flexibility aims to support healthy emotional development, reduce early academic pressure, and strengthen foundations for lifelong learning, starting from preschool and continuing through primary education.

Source:

New Straits Times  – “Year 1 to start at age 6, enrolment optional”

Malay Mail  – “Malaysia lowers preschool entry to five, Standard One to six from 2027”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.