Availability of school places

If we receive more placing requests than there are places available, we will review the applications against our list of priorities: 

We may consider other reasons if the deciding officer feels they are appropriate.

Residence

Residents within Aberdeenshire will take priority over those living outwith the council area.

Children in Need

We give priority to Children in Need where there are reasons the school would be better suited to their needs. Children in Need is a broad concept and includes needs which arise from medical, psychological and social reasons but are not limited to these categories. Children can also be considered as 'in need' as a result of the disability of another member of their household.

Where asked to give priority to a child on this basis, we will seek the advice of an Educational Psychologist, Medical Practitioner, Social Worker or other agency if appropriate. We treat all such cases on their individual merits.

Educational

Where the zoned school does not offer the subjects which the pupil wishes to study.

Local conditions

Where road conditions, weather conditions or other local conditions are a severe hazard to the child.

Sibling attending school

Where another member of the family is already in attendance at the specified school.

Social (childcare)

Where a responsible adult living outwith the zone cares for the child outside school hours while both parents are working.

We may consider other reasons if the deciding officer feels they are appropriate.