Registration for the first year of primary education is mandatory for all children turning six by September 15. However, it is possible to enroll children who turn six later, though their enrollment is subject to available vacancies.
For preschool education, there may not be enough schools to accommodate every child. The government recently announced competitions for an additional 5,000 openings. Still, a recent survey revealed that around 10,000 more spots are necessary to meet all demands.
On July 1, schools will post the placement lists.
Families unable to secure a spot in the public network may apply for vacancies that will become available through the competition for an additional 5,000 spots in private educational institutions and social solidarity entities. The Ministry of Education has allocated 42.5 million euros for this purpose.
Priority will be given to the most financially disadvantaged families, with the aim of bolstering the offer in high-demand municipalities, mainly around Lisbon, including Sintra, Seixal, Amadora, Odivelas, Lisbon, and Barreiro.
The plan includes opening new classrooms for 20-25 children or adapting existing ones to accommodate more students.
Families have until the end of May to register, with no advantage to early submission, as schools will only begin processing after the deadline.
For other students, the registration schedule is set: From June 16 to 27, registration will occur for students advancing to the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades in the next school year.
Between July 1 and 11, registration will take place for the remaining primary and 5th-grade students. Registration for those moving to the 10th and 12th grades will occur from July 15 to 22.
On August 1, placement lists for students in all other years, excluding preschool and the 1st year, will be published.
Enrollment is only mandatory for first-time 1st-year students. All subsequent years proceed automatically unless there’s a shift in the education cycle, school, course, or elective subject choices, as in secondary education. All other renewals are automatic.
The authorities advise families to list their top five school preferences in the enrollment form. If no preferences are stated, the placement process is carried out by administrative placement by the Directorate-General for School Establishments (DGEstE).
Enrollment should be completed online via the Enrollment Portal, but it can still be done in person at schools.
Before preschool, children can benefit from free daycare, available for those born from September 2021 onward.
