KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Children entering Year One early at the age of six (five and above), starting from the 2027 session, are expected to complete upper secondary education at 16, said the Education Ministry (MOE).
In its Frequently Asked Questions document, it said that these pupils will not remain in Year One for two years, but will instead follow the existing education structure of six years in primary school and five years in secondary school.
“Pupils will undergo five years of secondary education and complete upper secondary education at the age of 16 (15+),” according to the document prepared by the MOE’s Education Policy Planning and Research Division.
However, the MOE stressed that early admission is a voluntary option for parents and is not compulsory, and depends entirely on the readiness of children who have attended preschool at age five and have passed the prescribed diagnostic screening.
To ensure learning quality is not compromised, it has prepared the 2027 School Curriculum, tailored to pupils’ cognitive levels, including those who may not have attended preschool, to enable them to master basic skills effectively.
Regarding infrastructure preparedness, the MOE plans to construct additional classrooms using the Industrialised Building System to meet pupils’ needs nationwide.
It is also committed to ensuring a sufficient supply of teachers through various training channels, including the Bachelor of Education Programme, the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme, and appointments under the Contract of Service.
The early entry policy is part of the national education system's flexibility to provide opportunities for children who achieve academic readiness earlier to begin formal schooling before the usual age of seven.
