Invergowrie pupils face further uncertainty over their future school after a meeting to discuss the controversial changes to the Harris Academy catchment area was postponed.
Dundee City Council were set to discuss the proposal to realign the academy’s feeder schools in June, however the committee has been postponed indefinitely despite original plans to have the changes implemented by August.
The mooted redrawing of the lines would see some Invergowrie pupils forced to travel 20-miles to Perth High School.
John Swinney, Education Minister and MSP for Perthshire North, hopes the additional time may see Invergowrie pupils allowed to stay within the boundaries for Harris Academy.
Mr Swinney said: “Whilst the move to postpone this decision will undoubtedly prove frustrating for Invergowrie parents, it is still my hope that a sensible solution will eventually be reached.
“The long-standing association between Invergowrie and Harris Academy has benefited both parties, and it is my hope that such an arrangement will continue going forward.”
Angus Forbes, Conservative councillor for Carse of Gowrie, highlighted the postponement after contacting Dundee City Council about the scheduled meeting.
Mr Forbes said: “I contacted Stewart Hunter, the education convener at Dundee Council assuming that the proposal to change the catchment schools for Harris would not be coming to committee in June given the exceptional situation we find ourselves in.
“He confirmed that was the case and very kindly promised to keep me posted on progress.
“I completely understand the reasons for this delay, whilst this is welcome news on one hand as it gives parents and children in Invergowrie more time, it does also prolong the uncertainty.”
Currently pupils in the village, which is part of the Perth and Kinross rather than Dundee City, can attend Harris Academy in Dundee or Perth High School.
Dundee City Council wants to realign Harris Academy’s boundaries meaning Invergowrie pupils would no longer automatically be eligible for a place at Harris Academy, although applications will still be considered on a case-by-case basis
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “On March 20 the council suspended all meetings until further notice.
“An update on the schools consultation will be provided in the near future.”
