Feedback regarding proposals for a £40m schools campus in the Three Towns in North Ayrshire have been published.

In April, the Council launched a public consultation over plans to merge Auchenharvie Academy, Ardrossan Academy, Haysholm School and James McFarlane School into one single modern school campus.

Some 5,900 consultation documents were issued to parents, carers, pupils and other interested parties that same month, with a number of public meetings also held.

Positive feedback was received on a number of proposals, including:

• Benefits of new modern facilities
• Pupils with additional support needs moved closer to mainstream education
• Greater choice of learning at new campus.

-- Advertisement --

However, the report also highlighted some concerns, including:

• Location of proposed campus
• Impact of any potential decant of pupils Travel issues (walking routes, traffic levels and public transport costs)
• The views of young people were sought from the very beginning of the consultation – from primary school pupils through to members of North Ayrshire Youth Council.

Education Scotland spoke to pupils, parents and staff who have been involved in the proposals and the organisation agreed that the consultation was carried out correctly and that the proposals would address issues such as under-capacity, provision of a wider choice of subjects, the development of facilities which improve curricular choice and delivery and provide better facilities for young people with additional support needs.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Education Attainment and Achievement, said: "The consultation has been extremely valuable and we considered all of the feedback from everyone who responded. This has allowed us to clarify a number of issues raised about the proposed campus.

"We will, of course, continue to the speak to everyone involved as we seek to find the best possible arrangement for our children."

Members of the public can comment on the feedback report until Friday 21 October.

All valid comments will be considered by the Council's Cabinet later this year.

(JP/MH)