Towerbank Catchment Review - Informal Consultation

Over the last 10 years Towerbank Primary School has increased from a 14 class (2 stream) school to a 22 class (3 stream) school, driven by demographic changes within the catchment. The P1 intake last August was 108 pupils in 5 classes, equating to a 4 stream organisation in later years. Looking at pupil registrations within the catchment the Council are now projecting an intake of 100+ children for 2016/17. With at least two (possibly more) 4 stream year groups going through the school, Towerbank would be pushed beyond its current capacity.

In terms of pupil numbers, from a current roll of 609, catchment projections indicate a rise to 660 by 2019 and 700 by 2026. Housing development at Baileyfield and out of catchment placings could add extra numbers on top of that.

Given the constrained site the Education Department’s view is that further expansion of the school is not viable, and that the only reasonable solution is a reduction in the Towerbank catchment. This would be subject to a statutory consultation starting in May.

In the meantime the Council are seeking informal feedback on the options to be included in that consultation. Towerbank Parent Council and Portobello Community Council have produced this survey to gather views on the proposals as they stand. It’s also an opportunity for people to raise any queries or make alternative suggestions.

In drawing up the proposed changes, the Council have taken into consideration factors such as geography, home to school travel, catchment demand, and the level of spare capacity in other schools. The Council have also provided the following information:

- The P1 intake needs to be reduced to around 90 pupils, consistent with a three stream primary school.

- To achieve that the overall catchment has to be reduced by approximately 100 pupils.

- It is proposed that the housing development at Baileyfield would be assigned to the Royal High Primary School catchment.

- There are 68 non-catchment pupils currently at Towerbank. It should be noted that the number of classes is determined by catchment pupils. Out of catchment pupils only fill spare capacity within those classes.

In areas transferred out of catchment, younger siblings of pupils at the school would be given priority for out of catchment placements. However, that would be subject to places being available.

Further information: edinburgh.gov.uk/towerbankconsultation

Option 1 Click to see larger version

Option 2 Click to see larger version

This survey closes on 31 March.