Aberdeen parents question Council’s refusal to consider Catholic secondary school

A parent-led campaign is calling on Aberdeen City Council to properly consider the establishment of a Catholic secondary school in the city, so that children attending its three Catholic primary schools can continue their learning beyond the primary stage.

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, yet the local authority offers no Catholic secondary provision.

The campaign has the full backing of Scotland’s Catholic bishops, including the local Bishop of Aberdeen. It’s also received the support of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, the Church’s representative on the city’s Education Committee, and the leadership of the Parent Councils from Aberdeen’s three Catholic primary schools.

The Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee has repeatedly called for further discussions with parent bodies and the Church about this issue. However, a slim majority of elected members voted down further discussions. This despite eighty-two per cent of respondents to the Council’s 2024 consultation supporting a new Catholic secondary school in the city.

Catholic families firmly believe the proposal deserves to be properly and carefully considered, with parents given a meaningful say in local education provision. They are also asking the Council to explain its continued resistance to even examining the proposal. 

Local Parent Councils are leading a campaign to bring together the voices of local families and make the case for a wider consultation.

Parents wishing to register their interest can do so at: https://form.jotform.com/261192155489363

The registration deadline has been extended to Friday 16 October.