School places

The law allows parents to express a preference for a different school and such a school is often referred to as a non-catchment school. This is done by making a placing request. In the City of Edinburgh many placing requests are granted, but it is important to note that in our experience, not all requests can be met. The authority can only refuse your request for certain reasons laid out in law.

Non-catchment request forms

Placing request application forms for entry to P1 or S1 for session 2013/2014 are now downloadable:

P1 Non Catchment Application Form

S1 Non Catchment Application Form

Or are available from all primary schools.

Please read the Placing in Schools booklet before completing these forms. The deadline for placing requests is 24 December each year, however we still accept late applications received after this time. Late requests will still be considered, but if you apply after 15 March it is possible that places in your chosen school may no longer be available.

We anticipate a reduction in the number of P1 placing requests granted for August 2012 and future years. This is due to predicted increases in school rolls that mean there will be less places available in schools for non-catchment placing requests.

Places are not allocated until the demand is assessed against the number of places available. Provided you make your request on time, you will be advised of the outcome of your request by 30 April.

Transfer to secondary school

Letters are issued via pupil post in mid November to parents of primary seven pupils, who are in attendance at a City of Edinburgh Council primary school, to confirm the secondary school serving their home address. No further action is normally required if you want your child to attend the catchment secondary school. If you wish your child to attend a different secondary school, you should complete a non catchment placing request application form which are available from all Council primary schools after November.