Edinburgh schools to tackle rising pupil numbers

The council will discuss ways to deal with the increasing numbers of pupils at our schools when the Education Committee meets next week.

A new report, Schools and Lifelong Learning Estate Strategic Review, lays out the challenges that lie ahead as the city’s population continues to grow.

Official opening at Portobello High School in December 2016

The report, which will be discussed by Councillors on the Education, Children and Families Committee next week proposes the following :

Engaging with the local community on the design of a replacement Castlebrae High School and preparing for a statutory consultation later in the year
Starting informal consultation on future school provision in the west and south west of Edinburgh
Progressing informal consultation on the future provision of secondary Gaelic Medium Education in the city
Progressing a feasibility study for additional capacity for Boroughmuir High School on a site at India Quay
Agreeing to extend the Wave 4 feasibility study for Trinity Academy to consider detailed design of sports facilities on playing fields near the school

The Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson and Education Convener Cammy Day attended the opening ceremony of Portobello High School. This was one of the schools completed during the last administration.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Schools in Edinburgh face a unique challenge in coping with an ever-increasing population that goes hand in hand with the capital being such a thriving and successful city.

“Planning for the future of our school estate is vital and a key element of our ongoing strategic review. In recent years, we have successfully delivered an additional 74 modern, high quality classrooms in our primary school estate to deal with rising roll pressures and last year opened state of the art new high schools at James Gillespie’s and Portobello.

“Work has already started on the construction of a new St John’s RC Primary School and the design of a new primary school to the south of the city centre. Approval has also been given for a new primary school in south east Edinburgh and the relocation of Victoria Primary School.

“However, we cannot be complacent and have to ensure this positive work continues into future years. This report identifies emerging issues for our schools and lifelong learning estate which we need to deal with now and come up with deliverable solutions including funding considerations. We will of course consult fully with our school communities as we progress any plans.

“The successful exam results this week demonstrate the high level of teaching being delivered in our schools and we need to take all the steps we can to ensure this first class education continues for the children of Edinburgh.”