Midlothian - School Entry Dates (Early Learning, Primary & Secondary)
What is happening?
Midlothian
School entry dates
Early Learning and Childcare Provision
Children who are 3 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 table below:
| Child turns 3 | When can child start? |
| March to 31 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/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 turns 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 fi rst choice may not be available, but a funded place is guaranteed if you live in Midlothian.
Some two-year-olds can also receive a government funded place through the “A Good Time to be Two” scheme, for more information, please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/childcare.
Primary School Placements
If your child turns 5 years old between 1 March 2026 and 28 February 2027 you should register them to start primary school in August 2026.
You should receive a P1 letter at the beginning of November. This letter explains how to register your child and how to make a placing request, if you would like your child to attend an out of catchment primary school, please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/placing.
New P1’s, please contact your child’s early learning and childcare/childminder setting where your child is registered to ensure their address details are correct.
Registration week opens online at 9:00am on 17 November 2025 at www.midlothian.gov.uk/schoolplace.
Secondary School Placements
If your child is in Primary 7, you should receive an S1 letter at the beginning of November. This letter explains the arrangements for their entry to secondary school in August 2026. If you would like your child to attend an out of catchment secondary school, please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/placing.
New S1’s, please contact your child’s primary school setting to ensure that their address details are correct.
Outside Midlothian
If you do not live in Midlothian but would like to apply for your child to attend a Midlothian school, please visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/placing.
If you do not receive a P1 or a S1 letter, please contact: pupil.placement@midlothian.gov.uk This address is for mailing only:
Pupil Placement, Midlothian Council, Children, Young People & Partnerships, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3ZG.
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