Renfrewshire councillors have approved plans to expand capacity at two schools in Paisley, as the local authority moves to address sustained demand for places.
The recommendations were given the go-ahead by elected members at a meeting of the education and children's services policy board on Thursday.
St Andrew's Academy Operating Above Capacity
A report on St Andrew's Academy in Barrhead Road explained that the school was designed to accommodate 1,250 pupils but currently operates with a school roll of 1,468 pupils, representing 117 per cent occupancy.
The report stated: "Demand for places has remained consistently above capacity due to demographic change, residential development, parental preference and sustained demand from both catchment and non-catchment pupils ... The change does not represent a proposal to increase pupil intake beyond current levels but ensures that the school's recorded capacity accurately reflects the accommodation available."
It added: "This project supports the ambition of the learning estate strategy by improving sufficiency, enhancing suitability for curriculum delivery and ensuring long-term educational provision for the Paisley community."
Question Over Housing Development Link
Councillor Ben Smith, a Labour representative for Paisley Northwest, asked whether planned improvements at St Andrew's – such as additional classrooms, toilets and sports provision – were a "reaction" to housing developments in the area.
Gerard McLaughlin, head of education, responded: "It's not a reaction but certainly careful planning consideration, working with a number of our partners within the council."
Mary Russell School at Full Capacity
On Mary Russell School in Hawkhead Road, which caters to 220 pupils with additional support needs (ASN), the report said it was operating at 100 per cent capacity and was expected to "consistently operate" at that level.
It added: "The school has experienced a sustained and significant increase in demand for specialist ASN placements, resulting in a growing number of children and young people requiring access to provision that cannot currently be accommodated."
"Over the past three years, extensive refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing accommodation have maximised the school's capacity and exhausted all available internal expansion opportunities."
"Despite these measures, demand continues to exceed capacity, with all available space now fully utilised and some curriculum activities requiring off-site provision."
The report concluded: "Expansion of ASN provision is therefore essential to meet current and projected demand, support more children and young people to access high-quality specialist education within their local community and ensure the council can continue to fulfil its statutory duties."
