Gaelic Education

Gaelic Medium Education

Gaelic Medium Education (GME) helps children learn through Gaelic. It supports the survival and growth of the Gaelic language and is a priority for the Scottish Government.

GME is a way of learning where Gaelic is used as the main language in the classroom. Children are taught in Gaelic across all subjects. This helps them become confident and fluent speakers.

Learning method

Children start learning in Gaelic from the beginning of primary school. This helps them absorb the language naturally.

  • Gaelic is used for all lessons from Primary 1 to Primary 3
  • English is introduced in Primary 4
  • a third language is taught from Primary 5

This approach helps children become fluent in Gaelic while also learning other languages.

Schools providing GME

GME is offered in different types of schools across Highland:

  • English medium schools with a Gaelic Medium setting
  • Gaelic medium schools with an English medium setting
  • 3 standalone Gaelic schools (Bun-sgoiltean Gàidhlig)

View schools that provide GME

View the map of Gaelic Medium Schools

Gaelic Medium Catchment Areas

We are in the process of creating Gaelic Medium Catchment Areas for those schools that offer Gaelic Medium education.

Not all the schools that offer GME have a GM catchment. If you are interested in Gaelic Medium education but your home address is not within a GM catchment, contact your local Area Education Office.

More information

More information on Gaelic Medium Education is available from:

Page last modified: 29 September 2025

Gaelic Team

For more information or to explore partnership opportunities:

Request Gaelic medium education in your area

Request an assessment of the need for Gaelic Medium Primary Education in your area.

More information