Pupil numbers for more than a third of schools in Edinburgh earmarked for closure meet or exceed the occupancy threshold set by a public watchdog.
Pupil numbers for more than a third of schools in Edinburgh earmarked for closure meet or exceed the occupancy threshold set by a public watchdog.
Audit Scotland, which checks whether local authorities are making good use of public funds, advises that schools should have at least 60% capacity.
Audit Scotland, which checks whether local authorities are making good use of public funds, advises that schools should have at least 60% capacity.
Following a review last month, Edinburgh City Council said it planned to close 16 schools across the area.
Following a review last month, Edinburgh City Council said it planned to close 16 schools across the area.
Figures show that six of the threatened schools have higher occupancy rates.
Figures show that six of the threatened schools have higher occupancy rates.
The local authority plans to close 13 primaries and three secondaries.
The local authority plans to close 13 primaries and three secondaries.
Six nursery schools and four community centres are also to be shut.
Six nursery schools and four community centres are also to be shut.
High costs
High costs
Council leaders cited falling rolls and the high cost of running "half empty deteriorating buildings" as key reasons for the decision.
Council leaders cited falling rolls and the high cost of running "half empty deteriorating buildings" as key reasons for the decision.
According to figures released by the local authority, primary schools such as Abbeyhill are currently sitting at 91% capacity, with St Cuthbert's on 82%, Dalmeny on 84%, Stockbridge on 89% and St Catherine's at 72%.
According to figures released by the local authority, primary schools such as Abbeyhill are currently sitting at 91% capacity, with St Cuthbert's on 82%, Dalmeny on 84%, Stockbridge on 89% and St Catherine's at 72%.
Drummond High School is at 79% capacity.
Drummond High School is at 79% capacity.
The figures go well beyond the 60% threshold set by Audit Scotland.
The figures go well beyond the 60% threshold set by Audit Scotland.
Council leaders want to sell or redeploy the buildings across the city to cut the high operating costs of running schools.
Council leaders want to sell or redeploy the buildings across the city to cut the high operating costs of running schools.
Officials have said that empty registers are not the only reason for the closure plan with issues such as those whose pupils do not live in the school's catchment area.
Officials have said that empty registers are not the only reason for the closure plan with issues such as those whose pupils do not live in the school's catchment area.
Campaigners insist the thinking is fundamentally flawed.
Campaigners insist the thinking is fundamentally flawed.
Should schools which are not running at 100% capacity be subject to closure? Have your say on the matter and tell us your experiences.
Should schools which are not running at 100% capacity be subject to closure? Have your say on the matter and tell us your experiences.
Of course they should not. The council should be looking at saving money from their operating budget not from closing schools. Once they have sold the schools off for housing and spend/wasted the money what will happen then? Has there been any benefit to education from them selling off all the school playing fields over the last 20 years?martin, Edinburgh
