Changing secondary school start and finish times

We want to hear your views on a proposal to have the same start and finish times across all six secondary schools.  

What this would mean

Classes would start at 8.40am each day, Monday through Friday, and finish at 3.25pm, Monday through Thursday, and 12.15pm on Fridays.  

Tell us what you think

Local people can fill in an online survey or come along to one of seven events, including online, to find out more about the plan and the educational benefits.  

Lots of advantages

Launching the consultation at Lasswade High School in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott said: “We believe aligning the school day across all Midlothian secondaries will have lots of advantages, in particular with regards digital learning. 

Collaboration

“There will be more opportunities for not just schools to collaborate, but also for further and higher education providers and businesses.”

Equal opportunities

“It will make it easier for pupils, particularly in smaller schools where the curriculum is more limited because of staffing numbers, to be able to take the same courses and study the same subjects as their peers in the bigger secondaries. And they won’t have to travel to do so, saving them time and effort and the council transport costs while helping our net zero ambitions.” 

50 minute classes

If given the go-ahead, the length of the pupil week for all secondary schools would be organised across 32 periods (classes), each lasting 50 minutes. 

If given the go-ahead

The changes would start on Monday 3 June, the same day the six schools begin the new 2024/25 school year.  

 Councillors will consider findings

The consultation ends on Friday 8 March. A report on the findings will be considered by the full Council in the spring. 

Get involved

Fill in the survey at www.midlothian.gov.uk/schoolday.

Come to an event

Or come along to one of the informal drop-ins to hear more. They are all on from 5pm to 7pm.  

• Beeslack Community High School:  Thursday 22 February 2024
• Dalkeith High School: Monday 19 February 2024
• Lasswade High School:  Wednesday 21 February 2024
• Newbattle Community High School: Wednesday 21 February 2024
• Penicuik High School: Tuesday 20 February 2024
• St David’s High School: Wednesday 28 February 2024
• Online: Tuesday 27 February (email midsecschdaycons@midlothian.gov.uk to register and get the link)