Plans to build a new school in a booming north-east town will move a step forward next week.
A population spurt in Portlethen has left the two existing primary schools overcrowded and parents have demanded action.
In June 2013, councillors agreed to finance a new £12.9million school in the Hillside area of the town.
Now Aberdeenshire Council is preparing to open a formal public consultation on the plans.
Councillor Isobel Davidson, chairwoman of the local authority’s education committee, said: “Aberdeenshire Council strives to allocate its resources in a way that ensures the quality of all its services.
“It attaches particular importance to providing the best educational experience for all of the pupils in its schools.
“In order to fulfil this vision, the council adapts to changing circumstances and regularly reviews education provision across Aberdeenshire.
“This consultation gives parents and local stakeholders the opportunity to have their say on proposed changes to the school zones in the Portlethen area.”
Plans for a third school were shelved in 2010, but the urgent need for it was highlighted again in 2013 after council officers revised the capacity of the town’s two primary schools, Fishermoss and Portlethen as part of a wider review.
They realised the latter was already over-capacity – with the roll expected to rise by more than 300 by 2019.
In a report to the education committee, council planning chief Stephen Archer said: “While this housing is zoned for Portlethen Primary School, many of the house owners in Hillside bought their properties on the understanding that there would be primary school provision built in the Hillside area.”
Proposals for the school, and accompanying community facilities, went on display to local residents on October 3 at Portlethen Academy.
A public meeting will be held at Portlethen Academy on Wednesday, January 28.
Aberdeenshire Council has assured parents that no child would have to move schools if catchment areas are reshuffled in time for the 2016 academic year. Only new pupils or those coming to school for the first time would be affected.
Similar rezoning consultations are also underway in Fraserburgh and Peterhead.