Wick - Primary Schools Consultation

8th August 2011

Statutory consultations on the provision of Primary Schools in Wick Caithness have been welcomed today (9 August 2011) by members of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

Following a presentation on the Sustainable Schools Estate Review for Wick Primary Schools option appraisal by Caledonian Economics Limited to the ECS Committee members agreed that statutory consultations will be undertaken for two options.

• The proposal to amalgamate Hillhead Primary School and North Primary School in a new school on the site of the existing North Primary School.
  
• The proposal to amalgamate South Primary School and Pulteneytown Academy Primary School in a new school to be incorporated within a 3 to 18 campus on the site of the new Wick High School and the site of the existing Pulteneytown Academy Primary School.

These proposed developments are part of major investments, totalling more than £57 million being planned for schools in Wick over the next five years.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee, who represents Wick, said: "Wick and Caithness will have two of the best schools not only in the Highlands but Scotland providing 21st Century education provision for our pupils, that will also benefit families and the local community through the fantastic new community facilities that will be associated with the schools."

"Together with the new Wick High School the total investment is of the order of £57million and this will give a huge economic boost to the area and when combined with the new council offices in Market Square the total is £65million."

The consultation by The Highland Council runs from Monday 15 August until Friday 23 September. Public meetings in relation to these proposals will be held at Wick High School, 7pm on 6 September for Hillhead and North Primary Schools; and Assembly Rooms, Wick, 7pm on 13 September for Pulteneytown Academy and South Primary Schools.

Further information on the statutory consultations is on the Councils website at: www.highland.gov.uk