Take over or merger...

When it was first decided to join together Bishopbriggs High School and Thomas Muir High School certain criteria set out what should happen. If one school has more than a specific percentage of the new school capacity then the situation is a 'take over'.

click here for larger version
The dotted line show projected rolls after capping.

Sept 2000 Bishopbriggs High Roll 1036
Sept 2000 Thomas Muir High Roll 655
Scottish Executive

This was the case with Bishopbriggs High.

Therefore the staff at the larger school would keep their positions, including the head teacher. The name would stay the same (cost saving on stationery, branded items) the uniform would stay the same (saving for the majority of the parents).

The council could apply to have this overturned and ask for an 'amalgamation' and that's exactly what they did.

This requires all the staff, including the head teacher, to apply to keep their post. A new name has to be found, and all reference to the old names removed. A new uniform, both sets of pupils will have to purchase. The changes and costs go on...

To cause such disruption to the pupils education, disruption to staff, the additional costs for parents. What sound reasons would drive the council to make the request for an amalgamation?.

The council also publish the cost of education per pupil for each school.
Here are the costs for 2004/2005...

Bishopbriggs High per pupil £3,969
Thomas Muir per pupil £4,914

Value of East Dunbartonshire school stock 2004 - here

Ask your councillor why they decided to request an amalgamation knowing all the above?

All the councillors email addresses are on the East Dunbartonshire web site here...

Councillors Ward and email links