School Entry Deadlines - Midlothian Area
What is happening?
MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL
School Entry Deadlines
Early Learning and Childcare
Children who are three years old become eligible for a government funded place the term after their third birthday. Midlothian Council will provide a place closer to the child’s birthday, where possible, as outlined in the below table.
| Child turns 3 | When can child start? |
| March to 31st August |
August (start of autumn term) |
| September | October (one month and one day following 3rd birthday) |
| October | November (one month and one day following 3rd birthday) |
| November | January (start of spring term) |
| December | January (start of spring term) |
| January | February (one month and one day following 3rd birthday) |
| February | March (one month and one day following 3rd birthday) |
When your child reaches the age of 2, you can add them to the waiting list of the early learning and childcare setting of your choice. Contact the setting directly to apply. Your first choice may not be available, but a funded place is guaranteed as long as you live in Midlothian.
Did you know, some two-year-olds can also receive a government funded place through the “A Good Time to be Two” scheme?
For more information about your early learning and childcare options please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/childcare.
Primary School
If your child will become five years old between 01 March 2025 and 28 February 2026 you should register them to start primary school in August 2025.
You should receive a letter at the beginning of November that explains the arrangements for registering your child and the procedure for making a placing request. If you do not receive a letter, please contact Midlothian Council, using the details below. Registration week opens online at 09:00am on 18 November 2024 at www.midlothian.gov.uk/schoolplace.
Secondary School
If your child is in Primary 7, you should receive a letter at the beginning of November that explains the arrangements for their entry to secondary school in August 2025. If you do not receive a letter, please contact Midlothian Council, using the details below.
Out-with Midlothian If you do not live in Midlothian but would like apply for your child to attend a Midlothian school, for more information and to make a placing request please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/placing.
Contact Details
Email: pupil.placement@midlothian.gov.uk
Our office is closed to the public and the address below is for mailing only:
Pupil Placement, Midlothian Council, Children, Young People & Partnerships, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith EH22 3ZG
Need to publish a public notice?
If you need to publish a public notice, please contact The Scotsman directly at:
