The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, June 5, announced a revised Kindergarten cut-off age policy that will allow more Filipino children to begin formal education earlier.

Starting School Year (SY) 2025–2026, children who turn five years old on or before October 31 will now be eligible to enroll in Kindergarten — a move that aligns with President Marcos’ vision of a more inclusive, learner-centered education system.

“This policy is rooted in our understanding that every child grows and learns at their own pace,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. “By allowing more flexibility in the Kindergarten age requirement, we are making sure that each learner has the opportunity to start strong and succeed from day one,” he added.

Previously, the cut-off date was August 31, which meant thousands of children with later birthdays had to wait another year before starting school.

The new policy offers broader access and greater flexibility for families nationwide.

The revised policy is expected to benefit thousands of young learners, particularly those born in September and October, who were previously excluded due to age restrictions.

For Ramil Bautista, a parent from Pasig City, the policy shift is a welcome development.

“Naniniwala ako na nakakatulong ito sa pundasyon ng bata (I believe this helps build a strong foundation for children),” said Bautista, who plans to enroll his son, Noah, at Bagong Ilog Elementary School.

“Gusto kong mapalawig pa ang kaalaman ng anak ko sa pagbabasa, pagsusulat, pagbibilang, at sa agandang asal (I want to further expand my child’s knowledge in reading, writing, counting, and good manners),” he added.

Noah, who turns five this August, would have qualified under the previous guidelines — but for many other families, the new policy now offers earlier access to foundational education.

DepEd also noted that children who turn five between November 1 and December 31 may enroll in Kindergarten if they meet certain conditions: completion of a one-year Early Childhood Development (ECD) program in a recognized Child Development Center, or passing the ECD checklist conducted during enrollment or within the first week of classes.

DepEd emphasized that private schools are mandated to follow the new cut-off age policy, although they may implement their own readiness assessments to determine student eligibility.

In 2024, DepEd reported that over 1.8 million Kindergarten learners were enrolled out of 26.4 million total students in both public and private schools nationwide, including Philippine Schools Overseas.

With the adjusted age policy, DepEd expects a spike in enrollment during the nationwide enrollment period from June 9 to 13.

DepEd said that official classes for SY 2025–2026 will begin on June 16.

The updated Kindergarten admission policy is detailed in DepEd Order No. 015, s. 2025, which can be accessed on the official DepEd website: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2025_015.pdf