Councillors agree changes to school admissions policy after consultation 

Midlothian councillors have agreed to update its school admissions policy following a recent public consultation held earlier this year. 

Educational benefits

The revised policy, effective from September 2025 has been updated to prioritise places for Midlothian children and young people taking into account changes in our learning estate and growth in the school-age population arising from new housing developments. An independent report by Education Scotland confirmed the policy changes would help manage rising school rolls and bring educational benefits.

Maintain the current arrangement

It was also agreed to maintain the current arrangement for Loretto RC Primary School pupils in East Lothian to transfer to St David’s RC High School in Dalkeith.

Statutory consultation

Council agreed to take all legally required steps, including any necessary statutory consultation, to end current arrangements and create a new agreement with East Lothian Council which will clearly define:

• The catchment area for St David’s RC High School
• The criteria for admission to the school
• Any priority given to pupils from Loretto RC Primary School who wish to attend St David’s RC High School

No disadvantage

The council also instructed that:

• The new arrangement must not disadvantage Roman Catholic children from Midlothian
• It must support and promote the Roman Catholic ethos of St David’s RC High School

A fairer and clearer way

Councillor Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Midlothian is Scotland’s fastest-growing local authority, and this growth has put real pressure on our schools. Most families support prioritising catchment children, though we heard concerns about siblings and the impact on some East Lothian families. This policy gives us a fairer and clearer way to manage admissions, while working with East Lothian Council to formalise arrangements, which we hope will give reassurance to families going forward.”