A raft of improvements to Aberdeen’s schools have been agreed by the city council.
The local authority’s education and children’s services committee has agreed a draft implementation plan to develop the city’s school estate over the next decade.
The first phase of work begins this autumn with a public consultation underway this week on the proposed rezoning of boundary catchment areas for Greenbrae and Glashieburn schools.
A business case is also being made for the extension of Bucksburn Academy.
Growing pressure in Bridge of Don, Dyce, Bucksburn
Next winter will see a case drawn up for the future of schools not only in Bucksburn but the Dyce, Bridge of Don, Grandhome and Oldmachar school communities.
These are all areas of growing population, putting pressure on local schools.
The plan will see all new primary schools built with a minimum capacity of 434. Secondary schools will be built to house a minimum of 1,000 pupils.
However, the plan also takes into consideration an expected fall in pupil numbers in other areas over the next 10 years, and a likely reduction in the number of operational schools required.
The council will look at the possibility of using any surplus capacity for other purposes benefitting the local community.
‘A practical way forward to raise standards’
Education convener Martin Greig said: “It’s good to be at this stage where we now have a realistic timescale for improving school buildings across the city.
“The economic crisis is a factor but we’ve got to do our best to plan for the future.
“There will be difficulties ahead but there will also be opportunities. It’s an overall plan for educational opportunity.
“There is at least now a practical way forward to help us raise the standard of the school estate.
“It’s not about the buildings themselves, it’s about improving the learning environment for our young people across the city, and giving them the best possibility of a good education.
“We’re catching up with 10 years of a lack of planning for our city schools. There’s an enormous amount to do to assess things and decide priorities.”
‘Vital we hear from pupils’
The online consultation on the school estate plan, aimed at children and young people, will remain open until December 31, 2022.
Findings will be reported back to the committee alongside future updates on progress with the implementation of the plan.
Mr Greig added: “It is vital to hear from pupils and find out what they think about this review.
“I would like to encourage them to take part in the online consultation. Their feedback is especially important and is really valued.”
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