Council Will Consider Moratorium On Rural School Closures

2nd June 2011

Council to consider impact of proposed moratorium on rural primary school closures

The Highland Council is seeking a meeting with Scottish Cabinet Secretary, Mike Russell, to discuss his request that Scottish councils place a one-year moratorium on rural school closures.

The Highland Council is currently reviewing its entire school estate with a view to maximising the educational benefit of all Highland pupils.

In a first phase of the review, the Council is currently examining the Associated School Groupings for Wick High School and Thurso High School, which focuses on the 11 primary schools which feed into Wick High School and the 7 primary schools associated to Thurso High School.

A second phase of the review is now under way, looking at the Invergordon Academy and Alness Academy Associated School Groupings. This review is at an early stage and has involved engagement with head teachers, parent councils and local councillors.

Councillor Bill Fernie, chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee said, "We have tried to offer everyone the opportunity to participate in our pre-consultation exercise and been rigorous in our approach to the review but there may well be more that government can offer local authorities for the future well-being of our schools and rural communities and we are certainly willing to listen to any new proposals the minister can come forward with."

Council Leader Councillor Michael Foxley said: "I have asked for a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss his proposed moratorium for one year on rural school closures as well as a wide range of other education and Gaelic issues.

"We need to assess the impact of what he is proposing and take a report to the Council. We will feed our thoughts into the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

"Earlier this year, Michael Russell endorsed our merger proposals for the Greater Fort William area whereby we will merge five schools in existing sub-standard buildings into three new community schools."