Council agree school catchment changes

Oct 14 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

COUNCIL chiefs have taken steps to revamp the catchments for some of the county’s secondary schools.

The move comes after extensive public consultation with stakeholders on non-denominational secondary education in the north and west of West Lothian.

Andrew Miller, Executive councillor for education, explained: “There was an urgent need to undertake the secondary school catchment area review in order to facilitate growth in West Lothian, and to ensure best use of available school capacity and resources.

“West Lothian has the youngest and fastest growing population in Scotland. This has an effect on school numbers and increased pressure on some schools.

“We believe that the catchment review will bring about improvements to the schools.”

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Education Executive agreed to move Westfield Primary School from the Armadale Academy catchment area to the Linlithgow Academy catchment area; move Torphichen Primary School from the Bathgate Academy catchment area to the Linlithgow Academy catchment area and move Seafield Primary School from the Bathgate Academy catchment area to the Deans Community High School catchment area.

These decisions will be implemented with effect from the start of Session 2011 to 2012.

The Executive Committee also agreed to continue the current priority afforded to children from Windyknowe Primary School when determining placing requests to Bathgate Academy.

This arrangement will be reviewed for the start of school Session 2013-2014.