Views sought on Gaelic learning shake-up

Plans have been unveiled to hold an informal consultation over a potential shake up of Edinburgh’s Gaelic learning provision.

James Gillespie’s is the designated high school for Gaelic-medium pupils but council chiefs are now looking at whether to transfer this role to Drummond High. It comes as latest school role projections for James Gillespie’s show that by 2021 the school – which has a capacity of 1300 – will have an estimated 1537 pupils. Drummond has been identified as a potential solution as it has the capacity for additional GME [Gaelic Medium Education] pupils and is located close to the Capital’s Gaelic primary school, Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce, meaning resources could be shared. It is also thought an increase in pupils at Drummond could mean a wider curriculum choice than is currently offered at the school. Education convener Ian Perry said: “We must act soon to deal with the future capacity issues at James Gillespie’s and opening up discussions on the future of GME is the start of the process. Analysisofourhighschoolestate has identified Drummond as a suitable choice.”