S56 Options Choice 2026

11 March 2026

Dear Parents, Carers and S4-5 Pupils,

S5/6 Options Form

I am delighted that we are now in a position to share with parents, carers and pupils in S4 and S5 the column structure from which those returning will make their final choices and from which we will then allocate your classes for study in S5 and S6.  

We have now analysed the mock choices which were provided to us by pupils, and have optimised the possible subject combinations into our 5 columns. 

276 pupils provided their ideal subjects via the mock choice process and I would like to extend my thanks to these pupils for taking the time and thought to do this, helping us craft the column structure to best match your collective voice.  Unfortunately, there will always be some pupils who do not get their ideal combinations, but we have been able to reduce this to a minimum based on the information provided.

Information on each of the courses offered is available to pupils via the new pupil app (designed for mobile phone use). 

As with last year,  the S56 choice form is paper based,  with copies being able to be collected from the PTG base. A digital copy is available via the link at the foot of this page.  We have also provided a guide to assist in completing the form and suggest that this is studied before the form is completed.

While our S4 and S5 pupils are young adults, and will hopefully have a good idea of their strengths and aspirations, we would still ask that parents/carers discuss the choices pupils make, alongside their aspirations, and give a ‘sense check’ to their decisions. To this end and to reassure us these conversations have taken place, we ask that parents/carers AND pupils sign off the completed form.

Once pupils have fully completed their choices, to ensure their choices are achievable based on their engagement and progress in related subjects at a lower academic level, pupils need to secure an endorsement for each of their choices from a teacher or principal teacher related to that choice. This process reflects that there are entry requirements which have to be met for ongoing study. If an endorsement is not provided then an additional form will be needed for the  new choice in that column, which should be stapled to the original. This means that any endorsements already secured are not lost.  In general terms pupils need to have secured a working grade of 1-6 in their most recentracking to consider studying at a more advanced academic level.  Where classes are oversubscribed, preferential allocation will be give to those who have are on track to meet the entry requirements.

The deadline for pupils to return their completed forms to their PTG is 3pm Thursday 19 March.  All forms received before this deadline will be given the same allocation priorities.  Allocations may be affected for any pupil that fails to meet this deadline. 

To be clear, completed and fully endorsed forms must be handed to a pupil’s PTG before 3pm on the 19 March in order to have the best chance of being allocated you chosen subjects.

Additional important notes can be found on the reverse of the options form.

Other information on courses offered can be found by speaking to subject teachers.

Returning to school isn't right for everyone, and information on pathways beyond school can be found from Skills Development Scotland, NESCOL or by speaking to a PTG.

Yours sincerely,

Struan Gardner

Depute Head Teacher

LINKS

Guide to completing the form

2026-2027 S56 Options form v2

1. • Option form revision history v2

     • N5 Biology Column F - correction to number of available spaces (20 run as a discrete S5/6 class with 6 periods, not joining the S4 class)

     • AdvH Accounting Column G - running alongside  H Accounting as a bi level class.

     • AdvH Chemistry Column G - was omitted in error.

     • N5 Physics Column G - correction to number of available spaces (20 run as a discrete S5/6 class with 6 periods, not joining the S4 class)

     • H/AdvH Computing Column H - was omitted in error.