Plans to send Boroughmuir pupils to Tynecastle for classes scrapped after parent and staff backlash

Plans for Boroughmuir pupils to be sent to Tynecastle for some classes to tackle overcrowding have been scrapped following backlash from parents and school staff.

The proposed “partnering arrangement” suggested pupils could use classrooms at Tynecastle High School, a 16-minute walk from the Boroughmuir campus, as a quick and cost-effective solution to capacity problems at the school over the next five to six years.

But following discussions with parents and school staff, an accommodation sharing agreement with Tynecastle has been ruled out, despite the "significant advantages” the report said it offered as a pre-existing school environment.

Several options are being considered to tackle ongoing capacity problems at Boroughmuir High School | Iconic Media

It is understood logistical concerns about the walk between schools, which although short requires several road crossings, and timetabling challenges were among the concerns raised and which contributed to the decision.

Reissued committee papers state temporary classrooms built on-site are now the “only viable solution” to deal with rising pupil numbers, which have increased by 40 per cent since 2015.

The initial paper said contingency plans for temporary classrooms would be developed alongside the shared accommodation proposal, in case the partnering arrangement proved unviable.

The new report also rules out a similar arrangement for the use of space in the Darroch Annexe of James Gillespie’s High School, which was also being considered as an option.

James Dalgleish, Edinburgh council’s education, children and families convenor, said: "I appreciate these conversations haven't always been easy, and more dialogue needs to take place, but I want to thank representatives of the parents and school staff for their patience and dedication to finding a way forward.

"While a solution is needed, their voices are paramount and any decision will be made with the interests of the pupils at the heart.”

He said there was “no easy option” and the council would be considering a range of possible solutions at next week’s meeting, as well as committing to reducing roll numbers.

Concerns have already been raised about the location of temporary classrooms at the canal-side site, which could be erected in the only outdoor space currently available to pupils.

Morningside councillor Marie-Clair Munro said: “I understand why parents have wanted a solution that keeps the school community together rather than sending pupils elsewhere.

“At the same time, there are legitimate concerns about the proposed modular accommodation taking up a significant part of the school’s already limited outdoor space.

“Outdoor space is important for pupils’ recreation, wellbeing and socialising, and I want to see the council do everything it can to minimise the impact.

“I think it is important that we distinguish between the immediate need to address rising rolls and the longer-term solution for Boroughmuir.

“The modular units may provide a practical way of addressing the immediate pressure while keeping pupils on the existing site, but we also need to look at the longer-term capacity issue.

“I will continue to work constructively with parents and the school community to understand their concerns and to find the best way forward.

“I will also raise those concerns with officers and colleagues at committee.”

The committee meeting is being held on Tuesday at 10am.