The Catholic church is urging councillors not to proceed with plans to close St Pius X RC Primary School in Dundee.
Education chiefs at the city council are recommending the closure of St Pius X RC Primary in Douglas.
The proposed move comes amid concerns over the cost of maintaining the building and falling school rolls.
If councillors approve the proposals, the school would shut next summer.
Youngsters would be sent to St Francis RC Primary in Whitfield instead.
Families affected by the move protested outside the school last week.
Now, The Courier has seen a letter written to the local authority by the Rt Rev Andrew McKenzie, the bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld.
This comes ahead of a meeting to decide the school’s fate on Monday.
Church fears for Catholic education in Dundee if St Pius school closure goes ahead
He fears Catholic education would be lost to a significant number of families in the east end of the city, including families in Broughty Ferry.
The bishop’s letter says: “It seems reasonably clear to us, having spoken to parents, teachers, and members of the local community, that families will not choose to migrate to St Francis RC Primary in any great numbers.
“This is not only due to issues of transport but also because of family situations and work patterns.
“We are also concerned that transport will not be provided for future generations past the stated time period.
“Catholic education will, in effect, be lost to a significant number of families who would otherwise choose to send their children to a Catholic school.”
The Rt Rev McKenzie says he is not convinced by the education service’s attempts to address Catholic education provision in Douglas.
Diocese offers ‘once in a generation’ review of Catholic education in Dundee
He has also offered that the diocese – which, despite its name, is now located in Dundee – undertakes a “once in a generation” review of Catholic education in the city.
His letter concludes: “I would urge Dundee City Council not to go ahead with the proposed closure of St Pius X Primary School, a vibrant and happy faith and learning community, which has a proud history and makes a valuable contribution to the community of Douglas.
“At the very least, I would ask the council to defer the decision while a comprehensive review of Catholic education in the city is undertaken without the threat of the imminent closure of a school looming over us.”
A representative of the diocese will present a deputation at the meeting.
Councillors will then make a final decision.
The council said last week that it would work with the Diocese of Dunkeld to develop plans for the future of Catholic education in Dundee if the closure went ahead.
Families affected are planning a further protest outside City Chambers in City Square ahead of the meeting.
Conversation