Beeslack replacement school information

Next steps and more information

Current Progress

We have appointed the contractor, Morrison Construction to take forward the next stage of the replacement Beeslack High School project at Easter Bush. This stage focuses on completing the detailed technical design and establishing the final construction cost before a decision is made on the full building contract.

Key changes to the project

The proposed new school will have capacity for 1,200 pupils, although key facilities will be designed to support up to 1,400 pupils if needed in the future.
The Severe and Complex Medical Needs (SCMN) provision will no longer be located within the new school. Instead, the council is looking for a more central location elsewhere in Midlothian, with a separate report on this to come later.

Design & Planning – Replacement Beeslack CHS

Although planning permission has previously been granted for a replacement school, the design has changed. The size, layout and appearance of the building have also been revised, meaning a new planning application is required.

Before the application is submitted in January 2027, we are inviting local people to two Pre-Application Notice Consultation drop-ins to hear more about and give views on the proposals, which will include a new high school and ASN provision, community and sports facilities, playing fields and parking:

Wednesday 21 October 2026: Beeslack Community High School, 3.30pm to 8pm.
Wednesday 11 November 2026: Bilston Primary School, Park Avenue, Bilston, 3.30pm to 8pm.

Comments made during the consultation process are not formal representations to Midlothian Council's Planning Authority. There will be a separate opportunity to submit representations if and when a planning application is lodged in January 2027.

Catchment

The statutory catchment consultation to realign the Beeslack CHS catchment area is to include Loanhead and Paradykes Primary Schools' catchment areas and the transfer of Mauricewood and the closed Glencorse Schools' catchment areas to Penicuik High School catchment were approved. These are as follows:

The catchment areas of Loanhead and Paradykes PS will be realigned to the Beeslack CHS secondary catchment area from August 2026, with pupils eligible to attend the new school building in August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The catchment area of Mauricewood PS will be realigned to the Penicuik HS secondary catchment area from August 2026.
The catchment area of the closed Glencorse PS will be realigned to the Mauricewood PS catchment area from 26 June 2024.

No child will have to move from the school they are attending if that is not their choice or their parents’ choice.

Transport arrangements

The road safety/active travel team within the roads department are currently looking at all routes within the catchments and have provided an initial list of issues/areas identified for improvement to the project team.

School transport will be as per council policy at school opening date; this will be based on the mileage and the safety of the route. The council places high importance on safe travel for pupils and as such this is an integral aspect of the project plan.

Need for new school

The proposed replacement Beeslack CHS, at Easter Bush, is needed to address a projected increase in pupil numbers due to expanding communities in areas such as, Loanhead, Bilston and Roslin.

Penicuik High School

Pupils, staff, parents and the wider community will help shape the design of the school as part of both statutory and non-statutory consultations. Pre-consultation drop-in sessions have already been undertaken.