Blantyre Community Council

Your Voice. Your Community. Blantyre.

Young People

Useful local information for teenagers and young adults in Blantyre, including education, youth services, travel, training and further study.

Secondary Schools

Blantyre is served by two secondary schools, each with strong academic and pastoral provision:

  • Calderside Academy (non-denominational) – Calder Street, Blantyre G72 0AX. Tel: 01698 384 384. Approximately 1,400 pupils in S1–S6.
  • St John Ogilvie High School (Catholic) – Serving Blantyre and surrounding areas.

Youth Services and Support

Terminal One Youth Centre
9–11 Logan Street, Blantyre G72 0NT
Ages: 8–25 (managed by Blantyre Youth Development Team)
Charity number: SC023444
Tel: 01698 829455
Email: bydt@terminalone.org
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am–9:30 pm
Friday: 11:30 am–3:30 pm

HyperCyber Youth Project
Ages 8–18
Monday–Friday: 3–8 pm
Established in 2005, offering digital and creative opportunities.

Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC)

Free for all 11–25 year olds in Scotland. The Young Scot NEC offers:

  • Free bus travel (under 22s)
  • 1/3 discount on trains (16–18 year olds)
  • Cashless catering in South Lanarkshire secondary schools
  • PASS-accredited proof of age
  • Library membership
  • Young Scot discounts and rewards with partner businesses

How to apply:

  • Visit getyournec.scot
  • Apply via your school office
  • South Lanarkshire Council: 0303 123 1015 or nec@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Free School Meals (Secondary)

Universal free school meals cover all pupils in P1–P5. Eligible families in P6–P7 and S1–S3 (pilot) can access free meals. Use the Fusion App for pre-ordering meals.

Apprenticeships and Training

Scotland offers a range of work-based learning pathways:

Foundation Apprenticeships
For pupils in S3–S6. Choose as part of your subject options and gain hands-on experience with employers.

Modern Apprenticeships
Age 16+ (no upper age limit). Earn while you learn with over 80 different types of jobs across sectors including accounting, automotive, business administration, construction, hospitality, and more. Full-time employment on at least the National Minimum Wage.

Graduate Apprenticeships
Age 16+. Work full-time while earning an Honours or Masters degree (no upper age limit).

Find out more and search available opportunities:

Higher Education

University of the West of Scotland – Lanarkshire Campus
Right here in Blantyre at Hamilton Technology Park.
Stephenson Place, Blantyre G72 0LH
Tel: 01698 283100
Website: University of the West of Scotland Lanarkshire Campus
A modern, eco-friendly campus offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in health, life sciences, business and more. State-of-the-art facilities, 100% renewable energy, and strong industry partnerships.

South Lanarkshire College
Offering HNC, HND and degree-level programmes in a wide range of sectors.
Tel: 01355 807780
Website: South Lanarkshire College

Universities in Glasgow (20–30 minutes away)
University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and others offer a wide range of degree programmes.

Learning Support and Wellbeing

South Lanarkshire Council provides support for learning, additional needs, and emotional wellbeing. Contact the council on 0303 123 1015 or visit your school’s pastoral care team.