Argyll schools facing closure angered by moving goalposts

The Argyll Rural Schools Network (ARSN) condemns Argyll & Bute Council’s decision on 3rd March to pursue the potential closure of twelve primary schools, most of which are healthy, viable and highly valued by the communities they serve. In particular, ARSN is questioning how this can be reconciled with the Council’s acceptance, as part of the same decision, that schools should only be considered for closure as a last resort, for educational reasons, and with a presumption against closure.

The membership of ARSN are concerned at the lack of transparency in the Council’s approach to selecting schools for the new closure list. During the meeting the Education Spokesperson introduced ‘enhanced criteria’ for selection – in effect moving the goalposts. These criteria still fail to focus on educational benefits as required by the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and should have been available for everyone to see. Communities now have just three weeks to understand, and respond to, a process that has never been adequately explained.

ARSN members are also puzzled by the Council’s decision to reject the opportunity to delay proceedings until a Scottish Government appointed working group has published revised guidance on school closures. This guidance is scheduled for publication before the end of March.

An ARSN Spokesperson commented: “The Council’s school estate review started a year ago. Given this extended timeframe it seems sensible, and rational, to grant a three week delay to ensure the process takes full account of revised guidance from the Scottish Government. Choosing to pursue this process prior to the publication of the new guidance paints a picture of a Council focusing on school closure rather than consultation.”