Starting school at the age of 6 or 8

Compulsory education begins in the year in which the child turns seven. Despite this, a child can start school one year earlier, or defer starting by one year.

The pupil’s guardian may apply for a right for the child to start basic education before the prescribed year if the child has the prerequisites for studying based on psychological assessments and, if necessary, medical reports. A report from a psychologist and, where appropriate, a medical report must be attached to the application. The guardian must obtain the psychologist’s report from a private service provider.

The pupil’s guardian may apply for a deferral of starting school for their child. A psychologist’s assessment or medical report on the grounds for the deferral must be attached to the application.

Application

The guardian submits the application and the necessary attachments to the Basic Education Support Services: Basic Education Support Services, Mika Kuitunen, Chief of Basic Education, Suokatu 42, 70110 Kuopio.

The form is in Finnish. If you need help filling in the form, please contact perusopetus(at)kuopio.fi.

Application for starting school at an atypical age (pdf) (in Finnish)