If you are settling in Scotland as a refugee, a person seeking asylum, or another New Scot, arranging school for your children is one of the most important early steps. Education in Scotland is free at local authority (council) schools, and every child has a right to a school place.

This article is general public information only. It is not legal advice, immigration advice or a substitute for guidance from your local council, school or a qualified adviser. Processes differ between councils, and details can change. Always check the latest information on mygov.scot and your own council’s website.

Your child’s right to education in Scotland

The Scottish Government’s Welcome pack for New Scots explains that education is devolved to Scotland. It is the right of every child, and also a legal requirement, for children to be provided with a school education. All children under the age of 16 are legally required to attend school (unless they are being home educated).

An education authority has a duty to provide full-time education for children aged 5 to 16. That duty also applies to a child who is temporarily living in the area, unless parents have chosen to home educate.

mygov.scot states clearly that every child has a right to a free place at school, and that parents must make sure their child either goes to school or is home educated.

How school places usually work

Catchment areas

Your local council normally allocates a place at a local school. This is usually the school for your catchment area — the area around a school where children who live there are given a place.

Most Scottish councils publish catchment maps on their websites. mygov.scot maintains a list of council links so you can find the catchment information for your area.

Enrolment

Education Scotland’s Parentzone guidance says local authorities usually need you to enrol your child for primary school several months before school starts, and some expect enrolment by a specific date. Information is often available in nurseries, schools, community centres, libraries and local newspapers.

mygov.scot notes that some councils send a letter confirming a place and asking you to reply. Other councils do not send letters, and you need to enrol your child yourself. If you are unsure, contact your local council and ask what they expect you to do.

You can ask a council about school places at any time. It does not have to wait until the usual August start date for your child’s age group. This matters if your family arrives mid-year.

If you want a different school

Parents have a right to request a place at a council school outside their catchment area. This is called a placing request.

According to mygov.scot and Parentzone:

• if there is space at the school, the council must grant the request
• if there is no space, the council does not have to grant it
• councils can hold back places for children who may move into the catchment area
• if a placing request is refused, you can appeal to an independent appeal committee, and in some cases further to the sheriff

Contact your local council for the placing-request form and deadlines.

School ages and stages in Scotland

Scotland’s school stages are different from many other countries:

• children usually start primary school between about 4½ and 5½, depending on their birthday
• primary runs from Primary 1 to Primary 7
• children then move to secondary school (S1 onwards), usually around age 11 or 12
• learning from age 3 to 18 follows Curriculum for Excellence

mygov.scot publishes tables showing which birth dates usually start primary or secondary school in a given August. If your child is 4 on the date they are due to start primary school, you may be able to defer entry by a year and keep funded early learning and childcare — ask your council.

Early learning and childcare (nursery) for younger children

The Welcome pack for New Scots explains that all 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare (ELC) per year. That is roughly 30 hours a week in term time, or around 22 hours a week if used year round. A nutritious meal is included with funded ELC. About a quarter of 2 year olds are also eligible, depending on family circumstances.

mygov.scot’s free school meals page also confirms that children eligible for funded ELC receive a free meal on the days they attend, and that funded ELC is up to 1,140 hours a year for all 3 or 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds.

These rights belong to all children, including refugees and asylum seekers. Apply through your local council — each council has its own process.

Step-by-step: what to do after you arrive

Useful documents can include proof of address, your child’s date of birth, and immigration documents you already have. If you do not have every document, still contact the council — they can advise what they will accept. Do not delay contacting them while you wait for paperwork.

Extra support at school

Some children need more help to learn. In Scotland this is called additional support for learning. The Welcome pack notes that support can relate to the learning environment, family circumstances, disability or health, or social and emotional factors. It is not limited to children with a long-term medical diagnosis.

If you think your child needs extra help, speak to the school or education authority. You can also contact Enquire, Scotland’s national advice service for additional support for learning. Enquire’s helpline is 0345 123 2303 (see enquire.org.uk for current opening times) or email in**@*********rg.uk.

Children aged 12 to 15 can also get information about their rights through My Rights, My Say.

For English language learning for adults and families, see UFIP’s guide on how New Scots can access ESOL classes in Scotland.

Free school meals and clothing help

According to mygov.scot (page updated 1 April 2026):

• all children in Primary 1 to Primary 5 at local council or Scottish Government-funded schools can get free school lunches in term time, regardless of family income
• from Primary 6 onwards, and in secondary school, free meals depend on qualifying benefits (for example certain Universal Credit earnings limits, Pension Credit, Income Support, and some other benefits — check the current mygov.scot list)
• children at special schools run by the local council or funded by the Scottish Government can get free lunches regardless of age or financial circumstances
• if your immigration status means you cannot get government help, or you are waiting for Universal Credit, contact your council — your child may still be able to get a free lunch

On clothing costs, mygov.scot says every family who receives a school clothing grant will get at least £120 per primary-age child and £150 per secondary-age child. Exact amounts and eligibility are set by each council, and you apply through the council. Many councils accept applications from July until the end of March.

mygov.scot also notes that you may be able to claim a Best Start Grant School Age Payment to help with costs when a child starts Primary 1. Check the current amount and eligibility on mygov.scot or Social Security Scotland, because payment rates are updated over time.

Other education support organisations

The Welcome pack for New Scots signposts the Bridges Programmes for support with education and qualifications for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and people for whom English is a second language. Availability and referral routes can vary, so contact them or your local council for what is available where you live.

Practical tips for the first weeks

• Ask the school for a simple list of what your child needs on day one (uniform, PE kit, lunch arrangements).
• Tell the school if your child has gaps in previous schooling or has lived through disruption — staff can plan catch-up support.
• Ask how the school communicates with parents (email, app, paper letters) and request translation if needed.
• If you move house, tell both the school and the council promptly so transport and placement records stay correct.
• Register with a GP as well, so health and school support can work together when needed. See UFIP’s guide on how to register with a GP in Scotland as a New Scot.

Conclusion

Enrolling a child in school is one of the strongest foundations for family life in Scotland. The system is built around catchment schools, clear placing-request rights, and free education at council schools. Start with your local council, ask for interpreting support if you need it, and use mygov.scot and Education Scotland’s Parentzone for the official rules.

If anything is unclear — especially mid-year arrivals, additional support needs, free meals or clothing grants — contact the council education service and keep a written note of what you were told.

Featured image: AI-generated illustrative school/classroom scene (no identifiable real people). Information checked against mygov.scot, Education Scotland Parentzone and the Scottish Government Welcome pack for New Scots as of September 2026.

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