Glasgow School of Sport faces potential closure
A decision will be made about the school's future later this week
The future of Glasgow School of Sport at Bellahouston Academy hangs in the balance, with plans under consideration to replace it with a bursary scheme due to ongoing financial difficulties.
A crucial decision regarding the school’s fate is expected this Thursday, as Glasgow City Council’s city administration committee reviews a report on the matter.
The school, operated in partnership with Glasgow Life, could see its current setup phased out by June 2026 after unsuccessful attempts to secure funding from other local authorities and the Scottish Government.
Parents of pupils have voiced their concerns, describing the potential closure as a devastating blow for aspiring young athletes.
Established in 1999, the school currently supports 65 students specialising in athletics, badminton, gymnastics, hockey, and swimming.
Alongside their academic studies, pupils receive tailored coaching to develop their sporting talents.
The institution has produced notable athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson and badminton star Kirsty Gilmour.
However, a freeze on new admissions was introduced in 2024 while funding discussions took place.
A report by Bailie Annette Christie, city convener for culture, sport, and international relations, revealed that 62% of the students come from outside Glasgow, yet neither the Scottish Government nor other councils were willing to contribute financially.
This has left Glasgow covering approximately £380,000 annually for non-Glasgow pupils.
Efforts to secure alternative funding from organisations such as sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport were unsuccessful, as their focus remains on performance and elite-level programmes rather than direct school funding.
Under the proposed transition plan, pupils currently enrolled would continue their education and training at Bellahouston Academy until 2026.
Beyond that, sporting support would shift to national governing bodies, with a new bursary scheme set to be introduced for Glasgow-based athletes.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life stated that the existing model was designed over 25 years ago, at a time when national support for sports was more limited.
They emphasised that developments in funding for governing bodies now provide multiple pathways for young athletes and that the proposed bursary scheme would help ensure Glasgow’s aspiring sports stars receive continued support.
The decision on whether to proceed with these changes will be made later this week, leaving many students, parents, and coaches anxiously awaiting the outcome.