Plans to deliver new classrooms in schools in Edinburgh have been unveiled by the local authority.

The Primary School Estate Rising Rolls report found that there are seven schools where pressure may arise from 2015/16 as more pupil spaces will be needed.

The schools are Clermiston, East Craigs, Flora Stevenson, Gilmerton, Pentland, Ratho and Wardie Primary Schools. A number of possible solutions have been suggested.

A further three schools in the south of the city – Brunstfield, James Gillespie's and South Morningside – face similar issues and a separate report which considers their specific issues and the possible approaches in that area as a whole will also be discussed at the Education, Children and Families Committee on 4 March.

By 2019, primary school rolls are expected to rise to almost 31,000 pupils, which is a 15% increase on current levels. As a result, a total of £15m has already been pledged to help build extra accommodation. Some new classrooms have already been constructed, while 18 more classrooms will be built at four schools at the state of the next school year (August 2014) at Broughton, Victoria, St David's and Craigour Park. A further six additional classrooms will be delivered at Fox Covert, Stockbridge, Flora Stevenson, Bruntsfield and Gylemuir Primary Schools by adapting the existing buildings.


Commenting, Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener, said: "This report highlights the schools where we believe there will be accommodation pressures and outlines how we can meet demand for places from catchment pupils in 2015/16.

"The increase in rolls comes at a time when budgets are under increasing pressure, and so the Council has a responsibility to plan ahead, and ensure we provide a solution that fits with our needs and our budget.

"Despite the difficult financial climate the Capital Coalition has doubled the budget available for rising rolls, pledging £15m to tackle the issue. This has already resulted in fantastic new accommodation being delivered at several schools across the city.

"Whether or not it is traditional extensions, new build accommodation or adapting existing space, we are committed to providing the very best educational environment for our pupils and are determined to listen to parental views and work with school communities as we move forward."

(JP)