Education questions. Moving from England to Scotland.

[Cockawoes]

We are planning to move from England to Scotland with our 4 year old before August. The school application process seems very different. Does everyone just get a place at the catchment school? It seems that you needed to register in mid January and it was a given as long as you wanted the catchment school. Would they refuse us a place if we don't get there until May and the class is full? Do you then get allocated the nearest appropriate school as in England?

If it matters will be north or south Lanarkshire area. And any recommendations for schools or areas to consider or avoid would also be amazing. Thank you.

As long as there is a space in the catchment school, you'll be given it. Otherwise you'd get the closest school available as there are class size limits. It used to be 30 for P1-3 but mine are way past that stage so not sure if that's still true.
Most primary schools are ok so I'd look more at the catchment high school before deciding on where to live. I think Strathaven Academy is one of the better ones in South Lanarkshire and Dalziel High in North Lanarkshire. I'd definitely avoid Wishaw and Airdrie.

When is your child's birthday OP.

If they have not turned 5 on the day the term starts in august you are entitled to a further year of nursery if you wish.

If they don't get a place in the catchment school you can get one later, I think within the school year or thereabouts, but you might prefer not to have another transition. I have heard of people being offered places on the other side of the city, but think they found an option closer to home. That was people who were just scatty and didn't apply in time.

They'll be 5 in June so will be starting school in August.

Thank you. I'll think I might be best to call the catchment school before settling on a house. Good idea to consider high schools. Thanks for the tips of where to avoid as well.

Certainly here you will be given catchment school. The numbers fluctuate so they do like to know in terms of determining class size, is a composite needed, etc.

I don't really know of anyone not given catchment school, at primary. I do know of people not being given preference school. For work or whatever.

By here I mean borders

Yes, concentrate on the best High School for your area as all primary schools are very good in South or North Lanarkshire (the whole of Scotland really). I have never heard of anyone being refused their allocated catchment primary school. I have experience of applying for a primary school out with catchment due to work and as long as there is a space they will let your child go there. They have to consider siblings making the same request as that could affect their numbers in the future.

Thank you.