School and nursery places

How do I apply for a pre-school place?

Free pre-school education is available for all children for up to 5 part time sessions of two and a half hours per week. Pre-school enrolment weeks will be noted in local newspapers in early November and applications can be made using the pre-school enrolement form.

How do I apply for a school place?

All households in the Scottish Borders are within school catchment areas. Priority places are given to primary or secondary schools within your catchment area.

Can I request a place at my preferred school?

Parents, by law, are able to express a preference for the school their child attends. This is usually referred to as a non-catchment school.

Learning Communities in the Scottish Borders

Six learning communities enable schools, pupils, parents communities and partner agencies to plan and work together to improve outcomes for children and young people.

My child did not get offered a place at my preferred school, how do I appeal?

If you are unhappy about the school place offered to your child you have the right to appeal the decision. 

How are school catchment areas determined?

Scottish Borders is divided into catchment areas and priority for school places is based on home address. Please note that attendance at an associated school or nursery class is not associated with priority and that your nearest school may not be your catchment school.

Transferring from primary to secondary school 

Schools arrange a transition programme to assist pupils through the transfer from primary to secondary education. Parents will receive the name of the child's secondary school from the primary headteacher.