Council to pay neighbouring authority £60,000 for pupils to go to catholic school

East Lothian Council has agreed to pay neighbouring Midlothian Council £60,000 to cover the cost of pupils attending a Catholic secondary school in its area next year, it has been revealed.

A report to Midlothian Council says talks between the two local authorities has led to an agreed contribution from their neighbours towards the cost of pupils from one of their primary schools attending St David’s RC High School, in Dalkeith.

The report describes the amount as a “notional financial contribution’”.

East Lothian Council has confirmed that the agreed payment is £60,000, covering an estimated 30 pupils.

Pupils from Loretto RC Primary School, in Musselburgh, have traditionally been guaranteed a place at the secondary school for the last 80 years and make up around one sixth of the school roll.

However, Midlothian Council officers raised the issue last year with calls for East Lothian Council to pay the costs of pupils attending the high school.

The report to councillors says that following talks a ‘notional contribution’ has been agreed for the coming school year “allowing time for a formal agreement to be established between both councils for future years”.

The agreement only relates to pupils attending the RC school from Loretto Primary School with no mention of any contributions for pupils who may be given places at St David’s from other schools in East Lothian or cross the border to attend other schools.

There are currently 29 children who live in Midlothian and attend schools in East Lothian free of any charges between the councils. Midlothian Council was unable to provide the full number of pupils attending its schools from East Lothian telling the Local Democracy Service a Freedom of Information request was required to release the data.

Scottish Government guidelines state that parents are entitled to ask for their children to be educated in any school of their choosing and local authorities should provide them with a place if they are available.

East Lothian does not have a denominational secondary school and traditionally submits a list of Loretto RC pupils to Midlothian Council each year who are seeking to move to St David’s with between 20 to 30 pupils usually on it.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “For many years, collaboration between the two councils has enabled children from Loretto RC Primary School to access Roman Catholic education at St David’s High School.

“Our primary focus is the education and support for young people from Loretto RC when they reach secondary school and to ensure their transition is as seamless as possible.

“There have been positive and productive discussions between officers reflecting the partnership working between the councils.

“A nominal payment of £60,000 for 2026/27 has been agreed. Looking beyond 2026/27, we are committed to further discussion with Midlothian Council as a formalised agreement is developed.”