Requesting a surname change in education records
If you want to change your child’s name in school or nursery records, you should contact your child’s school as soon as possible. The process depends on your child’s circumstances and the legal documents available.
We must keep an official record of each child’s full name for education purposes. This is usually the name shown on their birth certificate.
What you need to know
You can choose what name your child is known by, day to day. However, we can only change the formal name in education records when we have the appropriate legal evidence.
We will consider:
- where your child’s birth was registered
- who has parental rights and responsibilities
- whether everyone with parental rights agrees to the change
If your child was born in Scotland
You must provide a new birth certificate showing the updated surname before we can change the formal school record.
If your child was born outside Scotland
You must provide a deed poll certificate showing the new surname. This must be signed by everyone who has parental rights and responsibilities for the child.
If not everyone agrees
If you cannot provide consent from everyone with parental rights, you should explain your reasons in writing and provide any supporting documents, such as court orders. We will review the information before making a decision.
In most cases, we cannot accept a name change where one parent disagrees, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
How to request a name change
To request a change, contact your child’s school. They will provide the correct form based on your child’s age.
We cannot provide legal advice, so you may wish to seek independent advice before making a request.
Contact us
If you need help or more information, contact your child’s school or Education Resources:
Email: education@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1023