Nwicker60
02-Jun-11, 08:12
Council to consider impact of proposed
moratorium on rural primary school closures
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 authority 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.
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.
She said: “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.
Mr Foxley added:"“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.”
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moratorium on rural primary school closures
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 authority 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.
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.
She said: “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.
Mr Foxley added:"“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.”
o