MIDLOTHIAN DENOMINATIONAL REVIEW

In August 2019, the parents of children at the seven catholic schools in Midlothian were invited to a series of consultation events to put forward their views regarding a set of eight proposed models of restructuring the provision of catholic schools.

This involved the closure of up to six of these schools and parents were advised that the status quo was not an option due to budget restraints and a lack of Catholic teachers.

Our views were certainly put forward but we need the Council to listen and know how much this will affect our communities if they vote to take it forward,

We are concerned that the changes that Midlothian Council are proposing will lead to the erosion of our community history as our Roman Catholic children will be segregated from their wider community. We fear that this will lead to tensions and division within areas. This, to us, feels like a huge step back in time when the community was divided on religious grounds.

Although not all our families attend catholic primary schools for religious reasons, it is important to many that their children experience an education with a religious and moral ethos and develop an understanding and be open to all faith communities. For many parents/carers there is a concern that their children would not experience this important part of their children’s education if they attended a non-denominational school.

Some areas of deprivation are being targeted, where parents would come under financial pressure to transport their child outside the catchment area to attend a new catholic school. This will have implications for already vulnerable families.

Many of these schools have been on a journey in recent years in developing and improving the attainment levels of the pupils; morale amongst the staff and pupils; forming positive relationships between the school and their families; and increasing the pupil rolls. 

Parents are having difficulty in understanding the rationale on how these changes will be beneficial to our children’s education which is the most important thing of all. Uprooting hundreds of children, moving them away from friends and staff who know and care for them is not what is best for the wellbeing and happiness of our children.

Please support our cause.