Early or postponed school start

It is possible to begin basic education one year before the compulsory school-age if the child has prerequisites to handle studying, based on psychological, and if needed, medical reports. In this case, the child begins school in the year he/she turns six. 

Investigations are carried out privately (e.g. Mehiläinen, Pro Neuron, Pikkujätti or Terveystalo). As a parent, you are responsible for any costs the investigations may cause.

A granted permission for early school start and a written decision is made by the Superintendent of Schools. Applying for a permission does not mean that the permission is automatically granted.

1. Book an investigation appointment for your child.
2. Fill in the form Application for exceptional start of basic education. The form can be found on this page.
3. Submit the form Application for exceptional start of basic education with the psychological report (and medical report if needed) by 6 February 2026 at the latest to the following address: The Finnish Basic Education Unit, Administration Services, Pupil Administration Expert Jemina Sirviö, P.O. Box 31, FIN-02070 CITY OF ESPOO.
4. Contact coordinator Sara Raitala to receive a key code to create Your own personal Wilma account. Contact information can be found down below.
5. Fill in the form Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school through the electronic Wilma service between 8th and 20th January 2026. Inform that your child is applying for a permission to start basic education one year before the statutory age (one year earlier than normal). If you are unable to use the Wilma service, fill in a paper form and submit it by 20 January 2026 at the latest to the following address: The Finnish Education Unit, Administrative services, Coordinator Sara Raitala, P.O. Box 31, FI-02070 City of Espoo. The paper form can be found on this page. 

Information on school admissions can be found on this page.

• Application for exceptional start of basic education, 8 January-7 February, 2026
• Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school, 8-20 January, 2026

• Application for exceptional start of basic education
• Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school 

The forms can be found on this page.

• Please contact the Superintendent of Schools. Contact information can be found in the end of this page.
• Information on school admissions can be found on this page.

It is possible to begin basic education one year later than the compulsory school-age, if there is need for a postponed school start based on psychological or medical investigations. Beginning one's basic education one year later is justifiable when the child needs one extra year to learn the skills of a school newcomer. The necessary investigations are conducted at the City of Espoo's Habilitation Services for Children or in special health care.

A granted permission for early school start and a written decision is made by the Superintendent of Schools. Applying for a permission does not mean that the permission is automatically granted.

1. Book an investigation appointment for your child.
2. Fill in the form Application for exceptional start of basic education. The form can be found on this page.
3. Submit the form Application for exceptional start of basic education with the psychological report (and medical report if needed) by 6 February 2026 at the latest to the following address: The Finnish Basic Education Unit, Education Support, P.O. Box 31 , FIN-02070 CITY OF ESPOO.
4. Fill in the form Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school through the electronic Wilma service between 8th and 20th January 2026. Inform that your child is applying for a permission to start basic education one year after the statutory age (one year later than normal). If you are unable to use the Wilma service, fill in a paper form and submit it by 20 January 2026 at the latest to the following address: The Finnish Education Unit, Administrative services, Sara Raitala, P.O. Box 31, FI-02070 City of Espoo. The paper form can be found on this page.
5. Contact Early childhood education service guidance for applying for pre-primary education. You can find contact information down below. 

• Application for exceptional start of basic education, 8 January-7 February, 2026
• Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school, 8-20 January, 2026

• Application for exceptional start of basic education
• Application for 1st grade of comprehensive school

The forms can be found on this page.

Please contact the Superintendent of Schools. Contact information can be found down below.