The City of Edinburgh Council is the local authority responsible for the provision of education in Edinburgh. It is responsible for 87 primary schools (many with a nursery class), 23 secondary schools and 12 special schools. In addition, there are 17 dedicated nursery schools. All of the education provided by these schools is free of….Read More
Choosing a state school in Edinburgh
Places at schools in Edinburgh are allocated on the basis of your home address and are not allocated as a result of previous attendance at a related or associated school or nursery class. The City of Edinburgh is separated into catchment areas (maps are available in the directory) which are based upon your home address….Read More
How to enrol your child at school in Edinburgh
If you wish to send your child to your local school, you should register them for a P1 place during registration week (which usually takes place in November and which will be advertised locally) of the year before they are due to begin school. The registration process will require you to provide proof of your address….Read More
How to make a placing request for an Edinburgh school
Every parent has the right to request that their child attends an alternative school to their designated catchment school, and if you would prefer that your child starts P1 or S1 at an alternative school then you will have to make a non-catchment “placing request“. You can obtain an application form at any nursery or….Read More
How to appeal a placing request
If your placing request is refused, you will be provided with the reasons why and then given the opportunity to make a request for an alternative school. The City of Edinburgh Council will send you details of the appeals procedure and, if you wish, you can take your appeal to an independent appeal committee. The….Read More
Starting Primary School in Edinburgh
While your child is at nursery, a record of their progress will be kept which will be passed to their primary school and used to monitor your child’s individual skills and developmental needs. There are close links between nurseries and primary schools and it is usual for children to be able to visit their primary school….Read More
School uniforms and dress codes for Edinburgh Schools
Many schools in Edinburgh have a dress code and the Scottish Government has made the wearing of a school uniform a central part of their drive to improve discipline and raise academic standards in schools. Neither the government nor the council require uniform to be worn at all schools as theybelieve that it is up to individual….Read More
Financial assistance for pupils at school in Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council may provide children from low income families with free school meals and a financial contribution to assist with the purchase of school clothing subject to certain criteria. In order to qualify, parents must be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits: Child Tax Credit (and have an annual….Read More
Transport to and from Schools in Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh does not operate any travel arrangements such as school buses for children at school in Edinburgh. The purpose of the catchment area system is to ensure that children and their families live relatively close to their school. For children who live more than three miles away from their school, the Council….Read More
