The Parliament of Georgia has approved a one-time exception allowing children who turn six between September 16 and December 31, 2026, to enroll in first grade for the 2026–2027 academic year. The amendment was adopted in its third reading with 85 votes.
The legislative amendment to the Law on General Education came under an accelerated procedure and passed during two plenary sessions held on the same day.
Under the new rule, parents will be able to voluntarily enroll children in first grade even if they reach the age of six after the standard cutoff date of September 15. The exception applies only to the upcoming academic year.
The change follows earlier education reforms introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party which established a strict age requirement limiting first-grade enrollment to children who turn six by September 15.
The issue gained public attention after a group of parents submitted a petition to Parliament in February, requesting flexibility in the rule. Although the proposal was initially rejected by the parliamentary Education Committee, the government later reconsidered its position.
On March 3, Education Minister Givi Mikanadze announced that a one-time exception would be introduced for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The newly adopted amendment formally enshrines this decision into law, allowing families affected by the cutoff date to enroll their children without delay. The measure is not expected to apply beyond the 2026–2027 academic year.
