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Choosing a School

How do I choose a school for my child?

All Aberdeenshire schools serve a local 'zone'. Pupils will automatically be accepted at the school within their 'zone'. However, parents have the right to request that their child attends a school in another 'zone' if they wish (without giving any particular reason) and Aberdeenshire Council will, where possible, agree to this request.top of page

How can I find out about the different schools?

Each school produces an annual prospectus, giving information such as exam results, attendance levels, policy on special needs and policy on moral, spiritual, social and cultural values. The prospectus is available from 15 December each year and can be requested from the Head Teacher. Aberdeenshire Council would also advise you to visit the school with your child.top of page

How do I enrol my child at school?

If you want to enrol your child at a particular school, you should approach the Head Teacher of that school and he/she will be able to advise you further.top of page

When will my child start school?

The academic year starts in the middle of August every year for all Aberdeenshire schools - the exact date will be given to you at the time of enrolment at the school.

If your child is starting primary school for the first time please see page 6 of 'Notes for Parents'for the policy on start dates for 4 and 5 year olds.top of page

What do I do if I want my child to attend a school outside of his/her local zone?

You are quite within your rights to request this and Aberdeenshire Council will make every effort to accommodate your request. Firstly, you should speak to the Head Teacher of the school you want your child to attend, you will be required to complete a form and the Head Teacher should be able to tell you straight away whether or not your child will be able to attend that school. If he/she cannot do this they will pass your details to the appropriate Education Network Manager, who will deal with your request and correspond with you directly.

Please see pages 7 to 10 of 'Notes for Parents'for details of how to apply, conditions of application, what to do if your request is refused and how to appeal.top of page

How will my child get to school?

Aberdeenshire Council provides free home-to-school transport for primary and secondary pupils who attend the school within their local 'zone'. This means that all primary pupils who live more than two miles from their school and all secondary pupils who live more than three miles from their school are entitled to free transport.

Except in limited cases (see page 10 of 'Notes for Parents'),there is no provision of free transport to pupils who attend a school outside of their local 'zone'. top of page

Contact Us

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Quality Improvement Officer in your area, details to be found on the Schools homepage