The admissions process for pre-school places in all settings in Northern Ireland is managed by the Education Authority. On Thursday 5th December 2024, the EA published information about the pre-school admissions procedure and admissions criteria for all providers on its website. (Scroll down to 'Read the Admissions Criteria' and then 'Search'). EA Connect, the online applications portal for admissions to pre-school in September 2025, opened in January 2025.
Please note these key dates:
5th December 2024: Admissions Criteria published.
4th January 2025: Magherafelt Nursery School Open Day.
10th-24th January 2025: EA Connect open for online preschool applications at the EA website.
April 2025: Notification of Stage 1 outcomes.
18th April 2025: Deadline for Stage 2 applications, additional preferences and new applications.
10th June 2025: Notification of Stage 2 outcomes.
Target Age for entry in September 2025: Born 2 July 2021 - 1 July 2022
Underage for entry in September 2025: Born 2 July 2022 - 1 July 2023
Please note:
Punctual applications will be given preference over late applications. Keep an eye on our website and our facebook page for further updates.
