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Applications for pre-school and P1 places now open on EA Connect
13 January 2025
Applications for pre-school and Primary One places for September 2025 are now open through the Education Authority’s EA Connect online system.
It is expected that more than 40,000 applications in total will be received for pre-school and P1 places for the incoming academic year.
Parents and guardians have until 12 noon on 24 January to submit their application, and they’re encouraged to list at least four pre-school settings or primary schools in order of preference.
Before starting your child’s application, it is important to read carefully the published admissions criteria for each pre-school setting or school you wish to nominate as a preference.
Parents and guardians should provide all the relevant details and preference reasons about how their child meets the criteria – and whether any supporting documentation, in addition to a birth certificate, is required.
Admissions criteria can be found by using the EA website’s ‘Find a School’ function or by selecting the Admissions tab.
A wealth of resources to help you with the process, is also available on the website.
For anyone who needs to access information in a different language, click on the ‘ReachDeck’ icon or select ‘Translate’ on the menu options to find out more.
The EA’s Admissions Helpdesk operates from 9 am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, by telephone 028 9047 0177 or email preschooladmissions@eani.org.uk or primaryadmissions@eani.org.uk
If your child is undergoing statutory assessment but does not have a formal Statement of Special Educational Needs, you will still need to apply for a funded pre-school or P1 place through EA Connect.
For children who do have a SEN statement, there is a separate placements process where your child’s placement is discussed with you as part of the review of your child’s statement.
Please contact the EA’s SEN Service directly on 028 9598 5960 for information on the progress of assessments or placements.
Parents of children who will be transferring to Post Primary Year 8 in September 2025, meanwhile, are advised that applications open on EA Connect from 12 noon on 28 January.
Visit the EA website at for more information.
Last updated:
13/01/2025