Delay likely to new Wick high school
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THE building of a new high school in Wick is expected to be delayed by a year if plans to create a three-to-18 campus go ahead.
The Highland Council is in final discussions regarding joining a primary school to the proposed new secondary facility.
During a consultation in September over plans to merge Pulteneytown Academy and South school, it was suggested the new primary could be added to the high school site.
The idea was welcomed by most but it was also said if it was to go ahead, it would result in the completion of the new high school being delayed.
The local authority revealed the opening date would be pushed back by at least nine months if its recommendations were approved.
Head of support services Ron Mackenzie said a decision is expected to be made early next year on how the project will proceed, but added if it is to go ahead, it will result in a rearranged timetable.
“Recent discussions in Wick have suggested that everything will depend on the outcome of the statutory consultation and a final decision on primary school amalgamation will not be made until January,” he said.
“Hypothetically, if we get the green light to renew primary provision in the town, there would be a knock-on impact on the timescale for the new Wick High School on the basis that we would be creating a three-to-18 campus on the existing playing fields at the school.”
Officials originally aimed for August 2014 as the opening date of the new high school but, if the new primary is to be added, the earliest it will open is May 2015.
Mr Mackenzie said despite warning parents and staff about the possible delay, he said plans to create the new campus have been welcomed by the majority of the public.
“It would be more than a three-to-18 campus, as the facility will also include a new swimming pool and library which can be used by the whole community.
“The high school will be able to accommodate up to 900 pupils with primary school provision for up to 380 pupils – it will be a fantastic building if it goes ahead.
“It remains only a possibility at the moment but a final decision will be made next month.”
A report on the three-to-18 campus, along with the merger of Hillhead and North Primary, was considered at a meeting of the education, culture and sport committee in Inverness and was recommended for approval.
Wick councillor Graeme Smith said members were unanimous in thinking the three-to-18 campus is the best option available.
“It is not definite at the moment, but local councillors are in agreement to find if there is any way that the process can be speeded up.
“In my view it is definitely the best option for pupils on the south side of the town – but the needs of pupils on the north of the boundary must also be considered in terms of use of the facilities.
“But most people are seeing this move as the best practical outcome.”
