A MAJOR increase in housebuilding around Dunfermline has meant its high schools are now bursting at the seams.

And parents will now be consulted by Fife Council in a review of secondary education provision that could see catchment areas redrawn.

Growth in the area has led to the risk of high schools soon reaching capacity and talks with the headteachers of Dunfermline, Queen Anne, Woodmill, St Columba’s and Inverkeithing high schools, and associated primary schools, have already taken place. 

In a report, Shelagh McLean, interim education executive director, said: “The service recognises that potential changes to school catchment areas can cause some uncertainty for schools, parents, and elected members. 

“However, the service is committed to conducting this engagement in an open and transparent manner, allowing parents, pupils, community and other stakeholders the opportunity to put forward their views and contribute to any future proposals.”

Members of the council’s executive committee agreed on Tuesday to a consultation with parents and local communities. 

Woodmill is currently expected to exceed its capacity within two years while there will be a capacity risk at Dunfermline High within 15 years.

The report states the capacity issues at Woodmill are due to the impact of pupils already living in the catchment area and additional pupils anticipated from the proposed housing developments in their catchment area.

Although Dunfermline High and Queen Anne have benefitted from new buildings in the last 12 years, the other three West Fife high schools remain significantly poorer in terms of condition and suitability.

The council wants new buildings for St Columba’s and Woodmill, with talk of a shared campus at an estimated cost of £75 million, and Inverkeithing but do not have the money and the Scottish Government has already allocated all the funds for new-builds across the country. 

Other options will be now looked at, including the use of temporary accommodation or re-aligning the current catchment areas.

Ms McLean said she hoped the views of the community can be incorporated in any future proposals.

Events will be organised as part of the community and parental engagement process.

Education officials will use these sessions to outline challenges and advise the public about the impact of housebuilding in individual school catchment areas. 

Community engagement events will include ward meetings with councillors, meetings with secondary school headteachers and parent councils and informal drop-in sessions where parents and pupils will have the chance to ask questions and put forward their views.