Do I Need To Apply To My Catchment School First?

AI Summary

No — for Edinburgh P1 and S1 admissions, you should apply to your catchment school first. The council says you can then make a non-catchment request only after your provisional catchment place has been confirmed.

Situation What Edinburgh says
Catchment school application Recommended first; apply directly to the school for in-year moves, and for P1/S1 the council aims to offer a catchment place if you’re eligible.
Non-catchment request Only after your provisional catchment place has been confirmed.
If your catchment school is full Edinburgh will look at the nearest alternative school with a place, and you may go on a waiting list.

If you’re applying for a school move or a place for August entry, the catchment application is the first step. A non-catchment option is something you ask for afterwards if you still want it.