The rising number of children reaching school age is set to cause major financial headaches for education chiefs.
Latest census figures suggest an extra 200 four and five-year olds will need places in reception classes from September 2013.
The mini population bulge could see an additional five reception classes opened in Island primary schools.
That will mean a major shake-up of budgets at a time when all government departments are under pressure to reduce spending.
The news emerged yesterday (Monday) as DEC chief executive Stuart Dobson gave evidence to a Tynwald Select Committee reviewing the decision to end state funding of pre schools.
He also admitted the budget for nursery credit vouchers had already been breached.
So far credit worth £446,000 has been claimed, well above the £400,000 set aside to help parents 'buy' places for their children in the private sector.
Mr Dobson says the larger-than-expected school entry is going to be a tricky issue in the current financial climate:
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