City councillors are preparing to make one of the local authority’s largest-ever investments in Aberdeen’s school estate.
Plans are being considered to build four new primary schools in Milltimber, Tillydrone, Torry and Countesswells at a total cost of £100million.
It is hoped that by focusing on the regeneration areas of Torry and Tillydrone, youngsters there will perform better at school if they are surrounded by brand new facilities.
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In turn, this could help close the poverty-related education gap where students in less well-off areas generally have poorer results.
Meanwhile, the new facilities at Milltimber are intended to replace the suburb’s “much-loved” current primary and the build at Countesswells will support the growing community there.
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said that, while the city already has a large number of top-notch teachers, the calibre of the school buildings they work in can make all the difference.
“Delivering high quality education requires not only excellent staff but an environment that staff and pupils are proud of,” he said.
“As an administration, investment and long-term planning for our school estate is critical and we recognise the importance of ensuring adequate provision in the long term.
“We owe it to the children of Aberdeen to continually invest in their education.”
His fellow co-leader, Jenny Laing, said: “Education remains a top priority for this administration and that is why we are bringing forward plans for a further four new schools.
“This additional £100million of investment will complement the investment we have already made in the four schools which has been delivered over the last five years.
“We are committed to improving attainment, closing the poverty-related gap between the most and least disadvantaged children, and improving children’s health and wellbeing.”
Lower Deeside councillor Marie Boulton, whose ward includes Milltimber, said the area’s current school is “much-loved” but admitted that more work must be done going forward.
She added: “It’s in need of investment to ensure we have a school in the community for the future.
“I’m proud this administration is taking forward concrete plans and I hope it will be welcomed by all parties.”
The proposals will be tabled at a meeting of the local authority’s city growth and resources committee later this month.
