Public to be consulted on rezoning for Bucksburn and Oldmachar Academies

16 January 2020

The public is to be consulted on plans to rezone the existing school catchment zones for Bucksburn and Oldmachar Academies it was announced today (Thursday 16 January).

The proposals have been put forward Aberdeen City Council to accommodate the expected growth in the local school-age population as a result of the 7000 home Grandhome development situated between the two schools.

If approved, the changes will see the new housing development included entirely within the Oldmachar Academy catchment zone from 1 August 2020 onwards.

The new development also includes a primary school provision and councillors at today’s Education Operational Delivery Committee noted that temporary primary education for children living within the Grandhome development, prior to any new schools being constructed, will be moved from Danestone School to Forehill School, also with effect from 1 August 2020.

The period of statutory consultation on the rezoning proposals will begin on (insert date date) and close on (insert date) prior to being discussed at the Education Operational Delivery Committee in May.

The committee’s convener, Councillor John Wheeler, said: “This is a common-sense proposal given that Bucksburn Academy’s pupil roll is expected to continue to increase over the foreseeable future, as new housing developments within Newhills and Bucksburn continue to grow and Oldmachar Academy has the capacity to accommodate the additional pupils from Grandhome.

“The proposal also takes into consideration that the development lies in close proximity to Oldmachar Academy, with relatively easy and safe walking routes to school available, whereas Bucksburn Academy would be more difficult for pupils in the Grandhome area to access.

“As always, I would encourage everyone with an interest in the proposal to give their views so that we can make as informed a decision as possible and ensure the best outcome for our pupils”.

The public consultation will start on 27 January and end on 15 March. Documents to download and opportunity to comment on the proposals will be available from 27 January at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/schoolsconsultations