Pre-school is not compulsory, but it is free, and you only get a place if you apply in time.
Quick facts
- Who
- Children in the year before primary school
- Cost
- Free: parents do not pay
- Apply
- Through the Education Authority
- Places given
- By each setting's admissions criteria, not first come
- Younger children
- Can defer by a year
Where the places are
Funded places are in nursery schools, primary schools with nursery units, and voluntary and private settings with government-funded places. All follow the same curricular guidance, and every setting is inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
How to apply
Apply online through the Education Authority, which sets the dates each year. Check the admissions criteria of every setting you list, and show in your application how your child meets them, because places are not awarded first come, first served.
Children who are young for their year can defer the start of pre-school, and then primary school, by one year.
Common questions
Is pre-school free in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Places under the Pre-School Education Programme are funded by the government, and parents do not pay for them.
How do I apply for a pre-school place in Northern Ireland?
Online through the Education Authority, before its closing date for the year.
Are pre-school places first come, first served?
No. Each setting uses its own admissions criteria.