west Scotland
East Ayrshire Schools
East Ayrshire covers Kilmarnock and the surrounding former mining and agricultural communities. The council runs around 40 primaries and 9 secondaries. Several schools have been part of major new-build programmes. The area has higher-than-average levels of deprivation in parts, and the council operates strong additional support and free school meals uptake programmes.
£120–£150
Clothing grant
15 March
Placing deadline
West Scotland
Region
Universal
Free meals P1–P5
£30/week
EMA
Find your catchment school in East Ayrshire
Every address in East Ayrshire has a designated catchment primary and secondary school. Your child has the right to attend their catchment school — the council must provide a place. For a different school, submit a placing request by 15 March.
Secondary schools in East Ayrshire
7 state secondaries. Data from Scottish Government open records.
| School | Area | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Auchinleck Academy | Auchinleck | Non-denom |
| Doon Academy | Dalmellington | Non-denom |
| Grange Academy | Kilmarnock | Non-denom |
| Kilmarnock Academy | Kilmarnock | Non-denom |
| Loudoun Academy | Galston | Non-denom |
| Stewarton Academy | Stewarton | Non-denom |
| St Joseph's Academy | Kilmarnock | RC |
The honest take on East Ayrshire schools
East Ayrshire covers Kilmarnock and the surrounding former mining and agricultural communities. The council runs around 40 primaries and 9 secondaries. Several schools have been part of major new-build programmes. The area has higher-than-average levels of deprivation in parts, and the council operates strong additional support and free school meals uptake programmes. Below you’ll find catchment information, placing request links, clothing grant amounts, free school meals eligibility and EMA details — all linking directly to the East Ayrshire website.
Primary
£120
Secondary
£150
Available to families receiving qualifying benefits. No deadline — applications open year-round.
Apply at East AyrshireUniversal for P1–P5 — no application needed. From P6 onwards, means-tested on qualifying benefits (Universal Credit with earnings under £796/mo, Income Support, etc.).
Even if your child gets universal free meals, apply for the means-tested version — it unlocks the clothing grant and other council support.
Apply at East Ayrshire£30/week
For 16–19 year olds in S5, S6 or college from households with income below £24,500 (one child) or £27,000 (two+). Paid fortnightly to the young person’s own bank account.
Apply for EMAFree transport to your catchment school if the walking distance exceeds:
Primary
2+ miles
Secondary
3+ miles
Additional Support Needs in East Ayrshire
East Ayrshire operates a presumption of mainstreaming — most pupils with ASN attend their local school with additional support. The council’s ASN team manages referrals, assessments, and Coordinated Support Plans. If you believe your child needs additional support, contact the school’s Support for Learning teacher as a first step.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about East Ayrshire schools
How do I find my catchment school in East Ayrshire?
East Ayrshire doesn't have a central online school finder. Contact the council's education department directly with your address to confirm your catchment primary and secondary schools. Placing requests for a non-catchment school must be submitted by 15 March.
How much is the school clothing grant in East Ayrshire?
East Ayrshire pays £120 per primary pupil and £150 per secondary pupil per school year (confirmed for the current academic year). Apply through the East Ayrshire website — most councils use a combined form for clothing grants and free school meals, so you can apply for both in one go.
What are the school holidays in East Ayrshire?
East Ayrshire sets its own school holiday calendar each academic year. Term dates, October break, Christmas, February, Easter and summer holidays all vary by council — they're not the same as England. See our dedicated East Ayrshire school holidays page for the full calendar with downloadable .ics files for Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook.
Last updated April 2026.
Clothing grant and free school meals data from East Ayrshire. School transport entitlements follow national statutory distances. See our editorial policy for how we source this data.