Gaelic Education
We recognise and value the importance of Gaelic language as part of strategic planning and development of language learning and of the rights of our young people to access education in Scotland’s indigenous languages.
In terms of education, Gaelic is defined by two distinct approaches to development: Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and Gaelic Learners Education (GLE).
For reference, national guidance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig explains the different elements that constitute Gaelic education in Scotland.
Gaelic Medium Education
Nationally, Gaelic Medium Education (GME) is based on the principle of language immersion. GME provision should encompass the four contexts of the curriculum within Curriculum for Excellence.
Education Scotland strongly advises that GME is not merely language learning, it is also the delivery of subjects through the medium of Gàidhlig and Gàidhlig at the heart of the life, culture and ethos of the school.
The Education Scotland Act (2016) and Statutory Guidance on Gaelic Education include three key proposals regarding GME:
- Authorities have a duty to promote and support GME
- Establishment of a statutory process for authorities to assess parental requests for GME
- Development of statutory guidance arrangements for the delivery of Gaelic education in schools and by authorities
GME is currently provided through a partnership arrangement with City of Edinburgh Council:
- Playgroups; visit gaelic playgroup for more information.
- Parkside Primary
- James Gillespie’s High School.
Parents and carers interested in accessing this partnership arrangement should email: HQOperations@scotborders.gov.uk
Under the Education (Scotland) Act 2016, parents of pre-school children have the legal right to request an assessment of need for GMPE in their local area.
Submitting a request
Only parents or legal guardians of children who are not yet enrolled in primary school may make a formal request. You must complete the Statutory GMPE Request Form, which is available to download here.
Completed forms should be emailed to: HQOperations@scotborders.gov.uk
It is important to note:
- This is not an application to enroll your child at a school.
- This form asks the council to assess whether there is sufficient demand to justify providing GMPE in your area.
What happens next:
- On receipt of a GME assessment request, we will complete an initial assessment within 6 weeks. An overview of the process is available.
- If GMPE will be provided, we will begin planning the provision, including identifying suitable premises and staff. Further details will be shared with interested families.
- If GMPE will not be provided, the assessment report will explain in full why the request could not be met at this time. Information about appealing such an outcome would be included in the report to parents and families.
