Choosing a primary school in East Lothian

Parents have the legal right to choose which school they would prefer their child to attend, and we must grant these requests wherever possible.

In some cases, however, we will not be able to place your child at the school of your choice. Please go to the 'If your placement request is refused' page in this section for more information.

Catchment schools

Every school in East Lothian has a catchment area (i.e. the area around the school from which it draws its pupils), and the school whose catchment area your live in is known as your catchment school.

The boundaries of catchment are clearly drawn and are set by the Council's Education Committee and are available on this page. Alternatively, you can contact us using the details at the bottom of this page.

If you are happy for your child to attend your catchment school, please see the 'Enrolling your child in school' page in this section.

If you wish to send your child to a non-catchment school, please see the 'Making a placement request for a non-catchment school' page in this section.

Roman Catholic schools

Roman Catholic schools are available in some areas for parents wishing their child to be educated in this type of environment.

Roman Catholic children living in a Roman Catholic school's catchment area will be given priority over non-Catholics for places in the school.