Why school catchment areas matter when buying a home in Scotland

Sharon Murray, Partner & Head of Family Law at Gillespie Macandrew shares advice on school catchment areas...

When looking for a new home, we often focus on location, price and amenities, but one factor that can be overlooked is the local school catchment area. Whether you already have children or are planning for the future, the school your child is entitled to attend will be based on your address and is an important consideration particularly as competition for school places intensifies.

What are school catchment areas?

A school catchment area is a geographical boundary set by your local council that determines which school your child will automatically be offered. Living within a catchment area can be a key consideration when buying a family home in Scotland, as it can influence both convenience and access to highly sought-after schools.

Even if your child is not yet school-aged, choosing a home within a preferred catchment area can be a strategic long-term investment.

Your rights as a parent in Scotland

Understanding the relevance of school catchment areas and how to navigate the placing request process can help you make an informed decision about a house purchase and avoid unexpected challenges. So, what rights do parents have in choosing their child’s school, if they are not living in the school catchment and what happens if you do not want your child to go to your catchment school?

The law says that pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents, if the cost to the public of providing this is not unreasonable. Parents have the option to make a Placing Request to an Education Authority for their child to be placed in the school of their choice, even if it is out of your catchment area. You need to have good reasons for making the request, for example, the school provides specialist facilities suitable to support your child.

The Local Authority can refuse your request if it would mean investing in additional teachers, additional classes, adapting the school or if additional numbers of pupils would have a detrimental effect on school order, discipline, or the child’s or other pupils’ education.

Appealing a placing request decision

If your Placing Request is refused, that decision can be appealed to an Education Appeal Committee. Local Authorities have varying methods for processing Placing Requests; so, it is best to do your homework first and check your Local Authority website for the detailed process before setting off on your Placing Request journey.

Planning your next family home around school catchments

Considering school catchment areas and understanding your rights around Placing Requests can provide valuable peace of mind when choosing a home in Scotland. Doing your research in advance ensures your child has access to the best possible education and avoids last-minute surprises.

When searching for a family home, remember: a property within a desirable catchment area can offer long-term benefits for both your child’s education and your investment in the local property market.