Tuesday September 22nd 2026
Planned entrance for the education campus at Shawfair
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Plans for a major new all-through school and education campus at Shawfair have been approved by Midlothian councillors.
The new campus will provide education for children aged two to 18, incorporating early learning, primary and secondary education alongside specialist provision for pupils with additional support needs.
It is expected to open on its permanent site in August 2028, or as soon as possible afterwards.
The new school is being developed in response to rapid population growth and continued housebuilding across Shawfair and Danderhall, which has increased pressure on school places.
Councillors also approved a new catchment area for the campus, including changes to the existing catchments for Danderhall Primary School and Dalkeith High School.
The decision follows a statutory consultation held between March and May this year, which received 321 responses.
Of those who responded, 87.2 per cent supported the creation of a new all-through school at Shawfair, while 88.5 per cent backed the creation of new primary and secondary catchment areas.
Plans for the education campuses dining area
Meanwhile, 82.9 per cent supported the proposed changes to the Danderhall Primary and Dalkeith High School catchments.
The consultation included a public meeting, pupil engagement sessions at both schools and virtual drop-in events.
An independent report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education also highlighted potential benefits of the proposal, including improved transitions between stages of education, enhanced additional support needs provision and reduced pressure on other local schools.
Councillor Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Many thanks to everyone who took part in the consultation.
“The new 2-18 campus will provide high-quality learning environments for children and young people from early years through to secondary education, while also including specialist additional support needs provision.
“This investment will help meet the needs of our growing communities, support smoother transitions between stages of learning and ensure children and young people have access to the facilities and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The council says the new campus will also ensure children and young people have access to specialist facilities and opportunities as the local population continues to grow.
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