Please complete the online registration form. Within this one application form you can do the following:
- Request an additional year of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)
- Apply for a placing request
- Let us know if you’re home-schooling your child
- Register with an independent school or a school outside Argyll and Bute
- Request school transport
Do I need to register my child?
Yes — if your child is going into P1 or S1 in an Argyll and Bute school, you must complete the online registration form if your child is going into P1 or S1.
If you plan to home educate, registration isn’t required, but it’s helpful to let us know via the form or by informing your child’s ELC provider. More information about home education is available here.
Can my child have an extra year of ELC before starting school?
Yes — children who turn 5 between the second day of the school year in August and the end of February are automatically entitled to an additional funded year of ELC.
Children with birthdays between 1st March and the first day of term in August may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You can indicate this on the registration form. Learn more in our ELC Parent Leaflet.
Where can I find information about schools in my area?
Visit the Argyll and Bute Council website for details on all schools, including denominational and Gaelic Medium Education.
We also recommend reading the leaflet “Sending Your Child to School” before registering.
What is a Catchment School?
Your catchment school is the local primary school linked to your home address. Children living in the catchment area are given priority for admission.
The registration form will help identify your catchment school based on your postcode.
What is a Placing Request?
A placing request lets you apply for a school outside your catchment area. You can indicate this on the registration form.
Can we visit the school before my child starts?
Yes! Schools often hold open days for families. Please contact your chosen school directly to find out when these are scheduled.
My child has additional needs or health concerns. How do I share this information?
After registration, your child’s school will contact you to discuss any support your child may need, including health information, allergies, or additional support needs.
Your child’s primary school will share this information with your chosen Argyll and Bute secondary school.
Why do you need my contact details?
We use your email and phone number to:
- Share updates before and after your child starts school
- Send you the school handbook and uniform details
- Let you know about open days
- Ask for any additional information we may need
You can read more in our Education privacy notices.
What happens after I submit the online application?
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a summary of your application. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder.
For children going into P1
Your chosen school will receive your information and contact you by 16th January 2026 to request further details and share transition plans.
If you’ve applied for an additional year of ELC, your application will be reviewed by the Early Years team, and your nursery will be informed.
P1 and S1 registrations
If you’ve made a placing request, your information will be shared with the requested school. If the request is not approved, your details will be passed to your catchment school and we will let you know the outcome.
I made a mistake on the form — what should I do?
Reply to the confirmation email with the correction. Please don’t submit a new application.
I’ve changed my mind and want to submit a placing request — what now?
Reply to your confirmation email with the name of the school you’d like to request. No need to submit a new form.
Can I change my mind later on?
Yes, absolutely. Your child’s ELC setting/primary school will be happy to talk through your options.
If you change your mind, let your ELC setting/primary school know and contact the Education team by replying to your confirmation email or emailing seemis@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
How do I apply for school transport?
There’s a section in the online application form for transport requests. You don’t need a separate form.
If you will be attending Oban High School or Hermitage Academy and live in the surrounding areas, you may be entitled to free transport via rail. Please note that your child will need an NEC as their free rail transport will be added to their NEC. See NEC section below.
Note: Free school transport is not available if you’ve submitted a placing request.
If your catchment school is mothballed, transport will not be provided if:
- Your child has never attended that school, or
- Your child was already enrolled elsewhere before the mothballing decision.
For questions, contact schooltransport@argyll-bute.gov.uk or call 01369 708553 / 8662.
When will I receive confirmation of my child’s place at their catchment school?
You’ll only be contacted if we have questions. Catchment school applications are usually approved automatically.
When will I hear back about a placing request?
You’ll receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days. Final decisions are shared in the last week of April.
What if I can’t complete the online application form?
Contact your catchment school. They’ll help you complete the form over the phone.
Can I apply for a Clothing Grant or Free School Meals?
Yes! Apply for Clothing Grants online.
All children in P1 to P5, and those attending a Learning Centre, are automatically entitled to Free School Meals. Young people who will stay in the hostels in Dunoon or Oban are also entitled to a free school meal.
More info is available.
Where can I find the school handbook?
Schools will send you a copy or a link to the school handbook following registration. You can also find helpful information on school websites and the Council’s education pages.
How do I apply for a Junior NEC/NEC for my child?
Children aged 5 to 10 can apply for a Junior NEC.
Parents of children aged 11 -15 can apply for an NEC. Children aged 16+ can apply themselves using the same online form.
This card allows free travel on registered bus services.
Still have questions?
If your query isn’t covered here or you need help updating your application, please email us at seemis@argyll-bute.gov.uk. We’re here to help!
