Moray Council is looking to change its school admissions policy as it battles to prevent an overcrowding crisis.
The move comes as part of sweeping reforms to Moray’s education system – which include the realignment of catchment zones in Elgin and the construction of a new primary school in the east of the town.
Plans have also been devised for an extensive revision of the region’s existing secondary school zones in an effort to stave off overpopulation problems.
The local authority said that requests from parents for their children to attend particular schools had led to “increased pressure” on resources at more popular buildings.
Senior education adviser, Paul Watson, has written a report urging the council’s children and young people’s services committee to authorise work on updating admission guidelines, which were originally drawn up in 2001.
Mr Watson said: “While action has been taken to alleviate pressures on school capacities, including reserving places for in-zone pupils and roll capping particular schools by limiting their intake, it has become increasingly clear that the council’s current policy and procedures are in need of updating.”
During discussions on the rezoning of primary schools in Elgin, parents voiced concerns that, under new catchment areas, siblings could end up having to attend different schools.
If councillors agree to the move, a new admissions policy will be created in an effort to clarify the council’s approach to school admissions, and keep capacities in check.
Officers wish to implement strict rules on parents applying to send their children to school early, and hope to provide a more open approach to placement requests for pupils with additional needs.
The proposals also include beefed-up measures to ensure that Roman Catholic children are prioritised for places in the area’s denominational schools.
Mr Watson added: “The proposed admissions policy will enable the education authority to respond to changing patterns of demand for school places in a consistent and timeous way.
“This will ensure all children and young people have equal access to adequate and efficient education.”
Should councillors agree to endorse the plans, draft documents will go out for public consultation between Tuesday, February 9, and Thursday, March 24.
During February, a series of public meetings on the changes are also planned in Fochabers, Lossiemouth and Elgin.