Catchment area changes on way for three schools

Published: Friday 9 May 2025

A sign saying Larkhall on the road entering Larkhall from the South

The catchment areas of three schools in Larkhall have been changed.

It means that more children in the area will be able to attend the school that is geographically closest to their home address.

The schools affected are Glengowan Primary School, Machanhill Primary School and Robert Smillie Primary School.

They will now be better aligned with new housing developments in the town which will help balance pupil numbers more effectively.

The implementation date of any catchment realignment would be during P1 enrolment in January 2026 for school session 2026/2027, starting in August 2026.

Interim Executive Director of Education Resources, Anne Donaldson, said: “Changing the catchment areas will increase opportunities for children to walk to school, and to engage in more after school activities that being within walking distance of the school could provide.

“We remain committed to ensuring our schools provide high quality learning experiences which create a fertile environment for children and young people to flourish.

“Our school leaders strive for excellence, are empowered to build their school community around the needs of their learners and are encouraged to engage with all stakeholders to understand what makes them unique.

“The implementation of the proposal allows the council to make sure there is efficient and effective use of existing resources. By managing the pupil numbers across schools, the council can ensure that a full and varied curriculum is delivered to pupils within each establishment.”

Full details of the changes, including maps of the new existing boundaries, can be found on the council website.