Schools decision postponed until June

The Education, Children and Families Committee agreed today (Tuesday 22 May) to postpone any decision until the next committee meeting on Thursday 21 June.

This will allow for further information to be provided on potential sites and educational issues relating to school size and curriculum choice and the impact on pupils with additional support needs attending larger schools.

For the West Edinburgh High School the committee agreed to look at different sites which may result in revising the catchments on any final option which is progressed.

Councillor Ian Perry, Convener of Education, Children and Families, said: “This a long-term decision which will affect the education of young people in South West for generations so it is important we get this right.

“I have encouraged as many individuals, representative groups and organisations to voice their opinions which is why we organised 23 engagement events for the parents and wider community of affected schools. The Vice-Convener and myself have also met personally with community councils, individual head teachers and representatives of parent councils.

“We heard very passionate deputations today but I believe the more information the Committee has, the better the decision they will take. Obviously, we cannot go on deliberating indefinitely but this is not easy given the numerous permutations that have been suggested so a decision will be taken on 21 June.”

Councillor Alison Dickie, Vice Convener of Education, Children and Families, said: “I fully understand the strong feelings expressed this morning but it’s important that we hear everyone’s voices as we heard more of today. A delay of a few weeks seems both reasonable and sensible given the importance of what we have in front of us.

“With more information coming back to the Committee next month about potential sites and the educational issues that have been raised Councillors will have the necessary information to make the right decision for the future of all our young people.”

The full  discussion on the ‘Update on the Informal Consultation in West/South West Schools’ report can be viewed on the Council website(external link).