£4m to save kids 40-mile round trip

PKC could pay Dundee council for use of Harris Academy to avoid catchment change

A £4 million proposal from Perth and Kinross Council could see Invergowrie pupils allowed to continue their secondary education at Harris Academy in Dundee.

The potential boost for Invergowrie families would mean their children would avoid a 40mile round bus journey to a Perth secondary school.

The news marks another major development in the saga, which stretches back to the start of 2020.

Dundee City Council has been reviewing the realignment of the catchment areas of Harris Academy’s feeder schools, with the headline recommendation to axe Invergowrie Primary School as an associate.

If the proposal goes ahead, pupils from the Perthshire village would no longer be able to attend the Perth Road secondary school - less than three miles away - a situation which would come into effect in August 2022.

Local parents have since vehemently opposed the proposal, with the school’s parent group sending a letter to Dundee City Council in support of the current setup.

But these concerns could soon be alleviated after it was revealed a deal is being proposed where PKC will pay a sum in the region of £4m to Dundee City Council, which will be a contribution to the expansion of Harris Academy.

Dundee City Council would continue to cover the revenue costs.

In exchange Harris Academy would continue to educate children moving up from Invergowrie primary.

The proposal is expected to be

This is a sensible and pragmatic approach Cllr Angus Forbes

discussed by councillors next Wednesday.

Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes welcomed the development: “This is a sensible pragmatic approach to the problem and I welcome the commitment on both sides to find a way to make it happen.

“There are many children from Dundee who receive primary education in Invergowrie and I would not like that to change.

“This deal, if it’s approved by council next week, will prevent a very long bus journey to Perth, help with after school clubs and allow friendships formed in primary school to continue.”

Fellow ward councillor Alasdair Bailey added: “It’s fantastic that this sensible resolution is now on the table, showing how Perth and Kinross Council can work with Dundee to ensure that kids from Invergowrie can continue to go to Harris.

“It was ridiculous to propose that kids would have to spend two hours on a bus each day when there is a secondary school within easy walking distance of the village.

“I’ve long been campaigning for Perth and Kinross Council to deliver proper secondary schooling closer to people’s homes in the Carse of Gowrie and I’m happy that this proposal ensures that for Invergowrie kids.”