east Scotland
Midlothian Schools
Midlothian is one of Scotland's fastest-growing council areas, driven by major housing developments around Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Gorebridge. The council runs around 30 primaries and 6 secondaries. Rapid population growth has created pressure on school capacity — new schools have been built and catchment boundaries adjusted. If you're moving to a new-build estate in Midlothian, confirm your catchment before assuming which school your child will attend.
£120–£150
Clothing grant
15 March
Placing deadline
East Scotland
Region
Universal
Free meals P1–P5
£30/week
EMA
Find your catchment school in Midlothian
Every address in Midlothian 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 Midlothian
5 state secondaries. Data from Scottish Government open records.
| School | Area | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Beeslack Community High School | Penicuik | Non-denom |
| Dalkeith High School | Dalkeith | Non-denom |
| Lasswade High School | Bonnyrigg | Non-denom |
| Newbattle Community High School | Newtongrange | Non-denom |
| St David's RC High School | Dalkeith | RC |
The honest take on Midlothian schools
Midlothian is one of Scotland's fastest-growing council areas, driven by major housing developments around Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Gorebridge. The council runs around 30 primaries and 6 secondaries. Rapid population growth has created pressure on school capacity — new schools have been built and catchment boundaries adjusted. If you're moving to a new-build estate in Midlothian, confirm your catchment before assuming which school your child will attend. Below you’ll find catchment information, placing request links, clothing grant amounts, free school meals eligibility and EMA details — all linking directly to the Midlothian website.
Primary
£120
Secondary
£150
Available to families receiving qualifying benefits. No deadline — applications open year-round.
Apply at MidlothianUniversal 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 Midlothian£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 Midlothian
Midlothian 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 Midlothian schools
How do I find my catchment school in Midlothian?
Midlothian 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 Midlothian?
Midlothian pays £120 per primary pupil and £150 per secondary pupil per school year (confirmed for the current academic year). Apply through the Midlothian 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 Midlothian?
Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian. School transport entitlements follow national statutory distances. See our editorial policy for how we source this data.