Education chiefs yesterday agreed to cap rolls at 18 schools in Aberdeen amid warnings from parents that pupils were being “shoe-horned” into a flagship city facility.
The measures to ease pressure on the capacity at 14 primaries and four secondaries were voted through by members of the city council’s education, culture and sport committee by 15-9.
The decision followed comments from parents’ representative Alex Nicoll, who said that it has been apparent “for some time” that Mile End school in particular is “hugely oversubscribed” for in-zone pupils, but families were not being kept informed.
Concerns were raised earlier this year about the impact of new housing developments in the area on the roll at the school in the Midstocket and Rosemount ward.
Mr Nicoll, who sits on the parent council at the popular 3Rs primary, took issue with a report which said the building may require “reconfiguration” to provide extra space.
He added: “We are shoe-horning children into areas that the school was not designed for.”
Education convener Jenny Laing said afterwards officials were working “very closely” with staff and the head teacher at the school, and insisted Mile End was designed with a “generous” amount of available space.
The 14 primary schools that will be affected by capping are Airyhall, Ashley Road, Cults, Hanover Street, Heathryburn, Kaimhill, Kingswells, Manor Park, Mile End, Seaton, Stoneywood, St Peter’s, Tullos and Walker Road.
Reserved spaces for in-zone primary one pupils will be set aside at all 14 schools.
In addition, the first-year intakes at four secondaries – Aberdeen Grammar, Bucksburn, Cults and Harlaw – will be limited, with the same provision of reserved spaces.
At yesterday’s meeting, the opposition SNP group put forward an amendment to consult with relevant groups such as parent councils in situations where changes to the configuration of buildings are being considered.
It was defeated by an administration motion to approve the recommended capping and delegate authority to the education director to make decisions on future management of rolls, with regular updates to be provided to the committee.