Applying for a place in a West Lothian Council Secondary School

Find out how to apply for a place in a Secondary School in West Lothian Council, this includes S1 places, out of session or any other stage and applying for a place with specialist provision.

Please select the category that applies for more information.

Applying for a start of session S1 place in a Secondary School

When can I apply?

You can apply for an S1 school place from November for the following August intake. Parents/carers of children attending a Primary 7 class in West Lothian and who reside in the authority will receive a letter in November advising applications are now being accepted and prompting them to apply.

Deadline

We encourage applications to be submitted by 31 December.

Final deadline 15 March - applications received after this date will be considered, however places may be more limited.

What will I need to apply?

If you've moved home recently, please provide some proof of your new address, such as a recent Council Tax bill, a recent utility bill or a copy of a Child Benefit award letter sent recently to you at your new address.

If your child has not previously attended a West Lothian Council school, please provide a copy of your child's birth certificate.

If you're applying for a place in a denominational school, and your child has been baptised into the Roman Catholic faith, please provide a copy of your child's baptism certificate, if you've not already provided a copy with your child's P1 placement application.

Admission Policy and Procedure

Before starting to complete an application form please read the Secondary School Admission - Policy and Procedure carefully.

What are my catchment schools?

All the denominational schools in West Lothian are Roman Catholic. Each home address has both a denominational and non-denominational school assigned. For catchment information for a specific school please select the school from this page - West Lothian Council secondary schools

How do I apply?

The easiest way to apply is to use the Secondary School Application online form.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to complete a paper form, application packs are available from Pupil Placement, from West Lothian Council secondary schools and from Council Information offices.

What happens to my application?

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 4 weeks of submission. We will send you another letter after 15 March, to tell you whether your application has been successful, or whether further consideration of your application is required as the school is over subscribed. You will be given the opportunity to give us any information that you think should be taken into account.

Decisions for oversubscribed schools are made by the School Placement Panel. Decision letters for all schools will be sent by the end of April. If your application is refused, we would usually allocate a place at another school and inform you of your right to appeal against the refusal.

Applying for a place in a secondary school during the school session or at a stage other than S1 during the summer holiday