Apply for a school place

If you want to apply for a place in a school, the application process depends on the year group you are applying for.

Before you apply, check your catchment schools.

Also, download the year group checker to find out which year group you should apply for: Download the year group checker (PDF, 100KB)

Apply for an in-year place or changing schools

Apply directly to the school using the request form below.

We recommend you apply to your catchment school. If schools have places, they can reserve some for children moving into the catchment area, but there is no guarantee of a place. Check if a place is available before you move.

You may request a school outside your catchment area. This will only be granted if there is a place available.

Download the request for school place form (Word document, 122 KB)

Find primary schools

Find secondary schools

Once you have applied

You will receive a letter from the Head Teacher with a decision as soon as possible. Please allow extra time during school holidays.

If your request is turned down, your child will go on a waiting list. We prioritise waiting lists based on when we received your request.

If your catchment school is full you should contact other nearby schools to find a place.

Other help and advice

Tell us if you need

  • advice or information about our schools
  • help with finding a school place.

Contact us

Apply for a place for children starting in P1 or S1 in August 2025

Admissions for children starting P1 or S1 for the first time are managed by the Schools Transactions team.

Find out how to register for Primary 1.

If your child is in Primary 7, find out about starting secondary school.