Boys will be let into Notre Dame High
Glasgow councillors have voted unanimously to open up Scotland's last state school for girls to include boys.
The entry criteria for Notre Dame High will change from August 2021 when boys will be admitted to S1, meaning the upper years will remain all-girl for the time being.
The decision follows a public consultation in February which had 3 options:
Three options were consulted on:
- the girls’ only ‘status quo’
- girls’ only status quo; with changes to the associated primary schools
- entry criteria to the secondary school to become co-educational.
46% voted for option 3 to become co-educational, while 40% backed the status quo.
13% percent supported the second option to stay all-girl but widening the catchment area, leading campaigners to claim there was no majority for making the change.
Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council said today: “There has been much debate on the changes to the entry criteria for Notre Dame High School with strong arguments being put forward - both during the pre-engagement and the consultation process.
“Now that the decision has been made by elected members, education officers will start to develop transition plans and will engage with school and parent representatives from all the associated primary schools and secondary schools affected by changes.
“There’s not only the physical aspects that need to be considered but we also need to be sensitive and recognise that this represents a significant change for the school and local community.
“I am confident that Notre Dame High School will continue to provide an excellent education to the young people of Glasgow and their families.
Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.