Pupil numbers for more than a third of schools in Edinburgh earmarked for closure meet or exceed an occupancy guideline level used by a watchdog.
Pupil numbers for more than a third of schools in Edinburgh earmarked for closure meet or exceed an occupancy guideline level used by a watchdog.
Audit Scotland, which checks whether councils are making good use of public funds, uses an indicator that schools should have at least 60% capacity.
Audit Scotland, which checks whether councils are making good use of public funds, uses an indicator 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.
Audit Scotland provides information enabling councils to make decisions about their future direction Anne McCubbinAudit Scotland
Audit Scotland provides information enabling councils to make decisions about their future direction Anne McCubbinAudit Scotland
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% occupancy guideline used by Audit Scotland.
The figures go well beyond the 60% occupancy guideline used by Audit Scotland.
The watchdog's spokeswoman, Anne McCubbin, said: "Audit Scotland provides information enabling councils to make decisions about their future direction.
The watchdog's spokeswoman, Anne McCubbin, said: "Audit Scotland provides information enabling councils to make decisions about their future direction.
"It's up to them to decide whether their schools are viable or not. Our 60% occupancy measure is simply a tool to help them consider their position."
"It's up to them to decide whether their schools are viable or not. Our 60% occupancy measure is simply a tool to help them consider their position."
Council leaders want to sell or redeploy the buildings across Edinburgh 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.
Council leaders want to sell or redeploy the buildings across Edinburgh 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.
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.
We asked if schools which are not running at 100% capacity should be subject to closure? The following represents the balance of views received.
I fought hard to get my autistic spectrum son to Abbeyhill, as the level of support and education he gets there is second to none.He was at Leith Primary Nursery, but did not thrive there, and he has made many friends and has come on tremendously since being at Abbeyhill.The council need to think about the effect on the children at the school, not the price of the land.Ruth, Edinburgh
I fought hard to get my autistic spectrum son to Abbeyhill, as the level of support and education he gets there is second to none. He was at Leith Primary Nursery, but did not thrive there, and he has made many friends and has come on tremendously since being at Abbeyhill. The council need to think about the effect on the children at the school, not the price of the land.Ruth, Edinburgh
This is typical the council are only looking to make money from selling the land, forget the kids futures. This is just another ludicrous money making scam the public will have to pay for eventually !ronnie, fife
This is typical the council are only looking to make money from selling the land, forget the kids futures. This is just another ludicrous money making scam the public will have to pay for eventually !ronnie, fife
Edinburgh council could easily balance its books by cancelling the unnecessary, unwanted and massively expensive tram scheme.Carol, Edinburgh
Edinburgh council could easily balance its books by cancelling the unnecessary, unwanted and massively expensive tram scheme.Carol, Edinburgh
Why does our modern city have a non-denominational school and a Roman Catholic school?If cuts have to be made, then lets get rid of this bizarre duplication of resources. I appreciate that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but let's move forward.richard, embru
Why does our modern city have a non-denominational school and a Roman Catholic school? If cuts have to be made, then lets get rid of this bizarre duplication of resources. I appreciate that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but let's move forward.richard, embru
One of the reasons for closing schools is not to make the class sizes larger but to cut the salary costs. Less Head teachers, less Head teachers' salaries have to be paid (not necessarily a bad thing) The other aspect - and I haven't actually done the research on this one - is the age of the building. Older buildings often do not meet criteria set for access, they are often expensively in need of care and attention, and sometimes although the schools are occupied to a high capacity the pupils are not from the local area. This disadvantages the children in the area from which the 'outwith area' children come. Anything which cuts the cost of good education without cutting good education is to be welcomed, and I think the main thoughts behind this move are for the right reasons. what MUST not be forgotten is that these cuts were on the back burner before the recent elections. Along with the huge overspends and over budgets the current council inherited. I have only one reservation in respect of the proposed cuts - Wester Hailes. A proven centre of excellence, with initiative the rest of the country can only envy. Kaye, Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the reasons for closing schools is not to make the class sizes larger but to cut the salary costs. Less Head teachers, less Head teachers' salaries have to be paid (not necessarily a bad thing) The other aspect - and I haven't actually done the research on this one - is the age of the building. Older buildings often do not meet criteria set for access, they are often expensively in need of care and attention, and sometimes although the schools are occupied to a high capacity the pupils are not from the local area. This disadvantages the children in the area from which the 'outwith area' children come. Anything which cuts the cost of good education without cutting good education is to be welcomed, and I think the main thoughts behind this move are for the right reasons. what MUST not be forgotten is that these cuts were on the back burner before the recent elections. Along with the huge overspends and over budgets the current council inherited. I have only one reservation in respect of the proposed cuts - Wester Hailes. A proven centre of excellence, with initiative the rest of the country can only envy. Kaye, Edinburgh, Scotland
I said years ago Edinburgh would become a mini-London with an unprepared transport infrastructure and roads clogged by expanding army of commuters, ever expanding parking zones, every piece of green space built on with over-priced flats, city centre garages being sold for over 50k, gangs of professional beggars and bogus asylum seekers travelling here to target the new found wealth of the city, supermarkets taking over and traditional shops closing, cyclists up on pavements, ludicrous house prices forcing the locals further out and having to commute back in, everyone living in flats on their own surfing the Internet for any social contact...Jock, Edinburgh
I said years ago Edinburgh would become a mini-London with an unprepared transport infrastructure and roads clogged by expanding army of commuters, ever expanding parking zones, every piece of green space built on with over-priced flats, city centre garages being sold for over 50k, gangs of professional beggars and bogus asylum seekers travelling here to target the new found wealth of the city, supermarkets taking over and traditional shops closing, cyclists up on pavements, ludicrous house prices forcing the locals further out and having to commute back in, everyone living in flats on their own surfing the Internet for any social contact...Jock, Edinburgh
Just to clarify the Stockbridge situation, yes many children do come from outwith the catchment area and although the excellent education provided by the school does contribute to the decisions made by these parents it is by no means the only reason. For the very many 'non catchment' kids, Stockbridge is by far their nearest school. It is possible to live within 100 yards of the school and not live in the catchment area, in fact the timy catchment area does not encompass most of Stockbridge.The vast majority of pupils walk to school and it is in fact their local school, surely this is more important than some lines drawn on a map however many years ago. The school is in the heart of the community in more ways than one, provides a an fantastic education for its all its pupils and is 89% full. That is why it should stay open.mum, stockbridge, edinburgh
Just to clarify the Stockbridge situation, yes many children do come from outwith the catchment area and although the excellent education provided by the school does contribute to the decisions made by these parents it is by no means the only reason. For the very many 'non catchment' kids, Stockbridge is by far their nearest school. It is possible to live within 100 yards of the school and not live in the catchment area, in fact the timy catchment area does not encompass most of Stockbridge.The vast majority of pupils walk to school and it is in fact their local school, surely this is more important than some lines drawn on a map however many years ago. The school is in the heart of the community in more ways than one, provides a an fantastic education for its all its pupils and is 89% full. That is why it should stay open.mum, stockbridge, edinburgh
The catchment area issue in the case of Stockbridge Primary is a red herring because, due to some quirks of history, the catchment is ludicrously small. The vast majority of children who attend the school WALK to school because it's their LOCAL school, even if they are not regarded as being in catchment. I can't see how many of these closures are very 'green' as they will surely lead to more children having to be bussed and driven to school than do currently.Lisa, Edinburgh
The catchment area issue in the case of Stockbridge Primary is a red herring because, due to some quirks of history, the catchment is ludicrously small. The vast majority of children who attend the school WALK to school because it's their LOCAL school, even if they are not regarded as being in catchment. I can't see how many of these closures are very 'green' as they will surely lead to more children having to be bussed and driven to school than do currently.Lisa, Edinburgh
Edinburgh should be prepared to afford the luxury of schools with less than 100% occupancy especially those in the more deprived/challenging areas of the city. Class sizes should be smaller in the interests of pupils and staff. Those schools that are full and have been built or refurbished under the strictures of PPP have minimal roomsizes, are often overcrowded and not relaxing as children crush through corridors and down stairs. Let's build a little fat into the system not starve it! Does the new appointment of a director of "Children and Families" (social work and education) from south of the border where arguably educational provision is poorer have any bearing on this?Anon, Edinburgh
Edinburgh should be prepared to afford the luxury of schools with less than 100% occupancy especially those in the more deprived/challenging areas of the city. Class sizes should be smaller in the interests of pupils and staff. Those schools that are full and have been built or refurbished under the strictures of PPP have minimal roomsizes, are often overcrowded and not relaxing as children crush through corridors and down stairs. Let's build a little fat into the system not starve it! Does the new appointment of a director of "Children and Families" (social work and education) from south of the border where arguably educational provision is poorer have any bearing on this?Anon, Edinburgh
I think the varaity of sorts of people around the world create the civilisation,by allowing to more people to immigrant to your esteemed country,will be solve the issue of shortage of pupils for the near future,and also will be useful for the economy.Mohamed Serour, Alexandria,Egypt.
I think the varaity of sorts of people around the world create the civilisation,by allowing to more people to immigrant to your esteemed country,will be solve the issue of shortage of pupils for the near future,and also will be useful for the economy.Mohamed Serour, Alexandria,Egypt.
One of the many promises the SNP executive have made is smaller class sizes which means more classrooms not less as under these proposals by the SNP/Liberal Democrat council. Joined up government? David, Edinburgh
One of the many promises the SNP executive have made is smaller class sizes which means more classrooms not less as under these proposals by the SNP/Liberal Democrat council. Joined up government? David, Edinburgh
The Lib-Dems tried to close large numbers of schools in Cardiff in 2006, causing a public outcry and the rejection of their plans. Education is always the largest proportion of any Local Authority budget, are the Lib-Dems using local education to make a big splash locally and hope that it has an impact for them in the national elections? Because if they are it is highly irresponsible, the management of the education of children should not be used an opportunity for political show-boating by the Lib-Dems, or anyone else for that matter.Steven Biddlecombe, Cardiff
The Lib-Dems tried to close large numbers of schools in Cardiff in 2006, causing a public outcry and the rejection of their plans. Education is always the largest proportion of any Local Authority budget, are the Lib-Dems using local education to make a big splash locally and hope that it has an impact for them in the national elections? Because if they are it is highly irresponsible, the management of the education of children should not be used an opportunity for political show-boating by the Lib-Dems, or anyone else for that matter.Steven Biddlecombe, Cardiff
Another example of high-handed council action. Those concerned should stop paying their council tax en masse and see what the council does then.Al, Uddingston
Another example of high-handed council action. Those concerned should stop paying their council tax en masse and see what the council does then.Al, Uddingston
Can someone tell me how a city that "benefits so much economically from the largest festival in the world", can't afford the costs involved in providing a quality education for it's inhabitants!Mike, Edinburgh
Can someone tell me how a city that "benefits so much economically from the largest festival in the world", can't afford the costs involved in providing a quality education for it's inhabitants!Mike, Edinburgh
There are 450,000 people living in Edinburgh. The coucil are closing 22 schools and 4 community centres to save £9 million (per year?). So, it would cost £9 million to keep these schools open, which would mean a bill of 9,000,000 / 450,000 = £20 per person in Edinburgh. I'd quite happily pay £20 to see these schools kept open.
There are 450,000 people living in Edinburgh. The coucil are closing 22 schools and 4 community centres to save £9 million (per year?). So, it would cost £9 million to keep these schools open, which would mean a bill of 9,000,000 / 450,000 = £20 per person in Edinburgh. I'd quite happily pay £20 to see these schools kept open.
Edinburgh is a rich city (how many £1million houses are there? How many children go to private schools? How many sports cars passed you on the way to work this morning? 1.7 million tickets were sold for this year's fringe festival!), so raising the £9 million to keep these schools open should not pose a problem. Alan, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a rich city (how many £1million houses are there? How many children go to private schools? How many sports cars passed you on the way to work this morning? 1.7 million tickets were sold for this year's fringe festival!), so raising the £9 million to keep these schools open should not pose a problem. Alan, Edinburgh, Scotland
If your council is serious about not listening and insists on closure then force them to mothball the best school sites and NOT be able to sell on the land after any demolitions. You will soon see what their real reasons are for this programme. After all, demographics show that a mini baby boom is in force, where will the "new" pupils end up? Howsabout "We don't have enough schools" "We will have to enter into negotiations for PFI /PPP build" they then hope to hell that you forgot that they sold off the sites.Jack, Glasgow
If your council is serious about not listening and insists on closure then force them to mothball the best school sites and NOT be able to sell on the land after any demolitions. You will soon see what their real reasons are for this programme. After all, demographics show that a mini baby boom is in force, where will the "new" pupils end up? Howsabout "We don't have enough schools" "We will have to enter into negotiations for PFI /PPP build" they then hope to hell that you forgot that they sold off the sites.Jack, Glasgow
As an Abbeyhill old boy it is untterly unbelievable they can consider closing the school - why do they think it has such high occupancy? It's simple it has some of the best facilities of any primary in Edinburgh - it even has it's own swimming baths - Edinburgh Council past and present have ruined the city and are now ruining the future for our kids.
As an Abbeyhill old boy it is untterly unbelievable they can consider closing the school - why do they think it has such high occupancy? It's simple it has some of the best facilities of any primary in Edinburgh - it even has it's own swimming baths - Edinburgh Council past and present have ruined the city and are now ruining the future for our kids.
School for couple of hundered kids or Land for couple of hundred flats ?? Difficult question for all the vested interests on the council Henry, Edinburgh
School for couple of hundered kids or Land for couple of hundred flats ?? Difficult question for all the vested interests on the council Henry, Edinburgh
The Liberals want to shut all Catholic schools and are doing it by stealth here in targetting St. Cuthberts, which is one of the best primary schools in the city. St Cuthberts takes non-Catholics if places are available.David, Edinburgh
The Liberals want to shut all Catholic schools and are doing it by stealth here in targetting St. Cuthberts, which is one of the best primary schools in the city. St Cuthberts takes non-Catholics if places are available.David, Edinburgh
This planned review has been going on for a few years now, originating with the circuitous Labour/Lib pact. The SNP councillors should have gone over this thoroughly before falling into the trap of carrying the can to make up for wasted money in trams, toll roads etc. Now is the time to stand up and be counted for what people want and not what the previous administration thought we should get. The government should now make an announcement on Monday and denounce this idiocy. Mean while all those fools in office and other media areas who cried for the trams, should be hanging their heads in shame at this folly to recoup costs at the detriment of Edinburghs education system.James , Livingston
This planned review has been going on for a few years now, originating with the circuitous Labour/Lib pact. The SNP councillors should have gone over this thoroughly before falling into the trap of carrying the can to make up for wasted money in trams, toll roads etc. Now is the time to stand up and be counted for what people want and not what the previous administration thought we should get. The government should now make an announcement on Monday and denounce this idiocy. Mean while all those fools in office and other media areas who cried for the trams, should be hanging their heads in shame at this folly to recoup costs at the detriment of Edinburghs education system.James , Livingston
No, fewer pupils does not necessarily equal smaller classes, and actually good relationships with pupils equals less disruption something that doesn't necessarily follow from a smaller class (though that can help a good teacher make those relationship ). The issue with Stockbridge and some others on the list (as I understand it) is that whilst they maybe well attended their numbers are elevated by pupils from outwith the catchment area whose parents have made placing requests (and yes, I know the requests are made because of the good reputation of the school). The point is the authority is charged with making schools available for pupils in their local area and Stockbridge and similar schools nolonger provide that function...and if some schools have to be closed then that's one way to cut the cake. I'm not an advocate of school closures, simply of reasoned argument - there may be good reason to object to these closures but the argument should be based on debate not emotion.! another mum, Edinburgh
No, fewer pupils does not necessarily equal smaller classes, and actually good relationships with pupils equals less disruption something that doesn't necessarily follow from a smaller class (though that can help a good teacher make those relationship ). The issue with Stockbridge and some others on the list (as I understand it) is that whilst they maybe well attended their numbers are elevated by pupils from outwith the catchment area whose parents have made placing requests (and yes, I know the requests are made because of the good reputation of the school). The point is the authority is charged with making schools available for pupils in their local area and Stockbridge and similar schools nolonger provide that function...and if some schools have to be closed then that's one way to cut the cake. I'm not an advocate of school closures, simply of reasoned argument - there may be good reason to object to these closures but the argument should be based on debate not emotion.! another mum, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Council appears to be targetting schools and nurseries which have places for pupils with special needs and the extra associated costs. Victoria Park, Abbeyhill, Westfield Court, St Cuthberts, Craigentinny and for all I know more of the schools on the list have excellent facilities for children with autism and other additional support needs. There is NO mention of this in the review report. The Council are attacking the provision for our children through the back door. They have to be stopped.a mum, edinburgh
Edinburgh Council appears to be targetting schools and nurseries which have places for pupils with special needs and the extra associated costs. Victoria Park, Abbeyhill, Westfield Court, St Cuthberts, Craigentinny and for all I know more of the schools on the list have excellent facilities for children with autism and other additional support needs. There is NO mention of this in the review report. The Council are attacking the provision for our children through the back door. They have to be stopped.a mum, edinburgh
This policy led by the Liberals is hard to understand. No doubt some schools might need closed - but not this full list. Few support it and fewer still know where the council's coming from. I hope the SNP government step in and show some leadership here. I know the SNP are in some sort of junior partnership in Edinburgh so I find it hard to know why when they've got so much else right, this is clearly not.Gary, Edinburgh
This policy led by the Liberals is hard to understand. No doubt some schools might need closed - but not this full list. Few support it and fewer still know where the council's coming from. I hope the SNP government step in and show some leadership here. I know the SNP are in some sort of junior partnership in Edinburgh so I find it hard to know why when they've got so much else right, this is clearly not.Gary, Edinburgh
The only reason why Abbeyhill is being targeted is for the land that surrounds it. We have excellent facilities to allow our children to run around for the recommended 2 hours every day. Abbeyhill also has done well over the years training and developing 2 excellent football teams. How in-sensitive of the council to send surveryors around a day after our petition to close the school. Sending 200 extra students to Leith which sadly has no extensive playing land is asking for trouble. How do Leith parents feel about squeezing 400 students into their school??Fiona, Edinburgh
The only reason why Abbeyhill is being targeted is for the land that surrounds it. We have excellent facilities to allow our children to run around for the recommended 2 hours every day. Abbeyhill also has done well over the years training and developing 2 excellent football teams. How in-sensitive of the council to send surveryors around a day after our petition to close the school. Sending 200 extra students to Leith which sadly has no extensive playing land is asking for trouble. How do Leith parents feel about squeezing 400 students into their school??Fiona, Edinburgh
less pupils = smaller classes = more chance teachers have to identify and help children that are struggling with lessons = less disruptive pupils = happier environment for all. Or am I making tooooooooo simpleQlady, Dukinfield UK
less pupils = smaller classes = more chance teachers have to identify and help children that are struggling with lessons = less disruptive pupils = happier environment for all. Or am I making tooooooooo simpleQlady, Dukinfield UK
These schools are the property of the population of Edinburgh. Not the property of those elected to run the city for a few short years. If the schools are to be closed then the owners i.e. the taxpayers in this city, should have the greatest say. Consultation will be a waste of time if those elected are not willing to listen to the people affected by these short sighted decisions.Dawn , Edinburgh, Scotland
These schools are the property of the population of Edinburgh. Not the property of those elected to run the city for a few short years. If the schools are to be closed then the owners i.e. the taxpayers in this city, should have the greatest say. Consultation will be a waste of time if those elected are not willing to listen to the people affected by these short sighted decisions.Dawn , Edinburgh, Scotland
The SNP/LibDem council has made a dogs breakfast of this proposal - a resignation and a dignified exit is the only way forward for Jenni Dawe.Doug, Edinburgh
The SNP/LibDem council has made a dogs breakfast of this proposal - a resignation and a dignified exit is the only way forward for Jenni Dawe.Doug, Edinburgh
Absolutely not! While Stockbridge is not at 100%, it is close enough to justify it's existence, as is Abbeyhill and others on the list. It would rip the heart out of the communities to close these schools, not to mention breaking the hearts of the children who attend the schools. I cannot understand why the council think we should have to walk our children for close to 2 miles to get them to school, when there is a perfectly good one right around the corner. The last thing this city needs is more unaffordable housing, which is almost certainly what would happen. In the Stockbridge area, there are dozens of luxury flats lying empty. Closing the school will make the sale of these flats even more difficult. Gillian, Edinburgh
Absolutely not! While Stockbridge is not at 100%, it is close enough to justify it's existence, as is Abbeyhill and others on the list. It would rip the heart out of the communities to close these schools, not to mention breaking the hearts of the children who attend the schools. I cannot understand why the council think we should have to walk our children for close to 2 miles to get them to school, when there is a perfectly good one right around the corner. The last thing this city needs is more unaffordable housing, which is almost certainly what would happen. In the Stockbridge area, there are dozens of luxury flats lying empty. Closing the school will make the sale of these flats even more difficult. Gillian, Edinburgh
I am appalled at the proposals for school closures, especially that of St Cuthbert's, which my brother attends. St Cuthbert's has a fantastic Language Unit in its ground, and there appears to have been no consideration of this facility, except to indicate that it may be moved elsewhere. St Cuthbert's is currently at 82% capacity, well over Government guidelines. Also, I believe that the school population in Edinburgh is rising, not falling. The proposals are ridiculous. Hazel, Edinburgh
I am appalled at the proposals for school closures, especially that of St Cuthbert's, which my brother attends. St Cuthbert's has a fantastic Language Unit in its ground, and there appears to have been no consideration of this facility, except to indicate that it may be moved elsewhere. St Cuthbert's is currently at 82% capacity, well over Government guidelines. Also, I believe that the school population in Edinburgh is rising, not falling. The proposals are ridiculous. Hazel, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Council has a less than satisfactory record at managing it's spending over the years. Closing down schools appears to be the easy option especially when the land is on prime housing land. More overpriced, badly built flats for the city. Great!micheal, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Council has a less than satisfactory record at managing it's spending over the years. Closing down schools appears to be the easy option especially when the land is on prime housing land. More overpriced, badly built flats for the city. Great!micheal, Edinburgh
Don't make the same mistakes as west lothian.... they closed schools and built housing. Now there is a shortage of secondary schools to accomodate pupils. Some villages have had to take legal actional against the authority to allow pupils to be allowed into schools in the catchment area. There has been an influx of private housing and Polish immigrants pushing the population up.anon, west lothian
Don't make the same mistakes as west lothian.... they closed schools and built housing. Now there is a shortage of secondary schools to accomodate pupils. Some villages have had to take legal actional against the authority to allow pupils to be allowed into schools in the catchment area. There has been an influx of private housing and Polish immigrants pushing the population up.anon, west lothian
Is Edinburgh Council then going to run free school buses to ferry the displaced children to their new schools? One minute the council is trying to practically ban cars from Edinburgh's streets, the next it is creating the need for more school runs. Madness. And what of the teachers who will lose their jobs?Jan, Edinburgh
Is Edinburgh Council then going to run free school buses to ferry the displaced children to their new schools? One minute the council is trying to practically ban cars from Edinburgh's streets, the next it is creating the need for more school runs. Madness. And what of the teachers who will lose their jobs?Jan, Edinburgh
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
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
