Young people in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute schools are having their say on ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s proposals for a new ‘collective’ model for school leadership in the authority.
These proposals aim to empower the leadership of our schools to work more effectively together and share resources to enhance the education of all pupils. They have been developed with ongoing input from ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s Head Teachers and education experts.
As the final and most significant part of ongoing public consultation on the proposals, young people from P4 age upwards in schools across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are being consulted through their pupil councils.
Schools have been provided with materials to support their pupil council sessions, including video presentations tailored to three different age groups. All cover the same important factors as the materials already shared with local communities, but using age-appropriate language and levels of detail.
As is normal, pupil council sessions will be pupil-led with support from school staff, where required. The sessions will ask pupils to work through the key points of the proposals, then discuss the pros and cons together before agreeing a unified response on behalf of their school.
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ are working with teachers to ensure that young people with additional support needs are included in this process.
This consultation with pupils has already begun. It will ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard and considered as the change proposals are further developed and refined.
About the proposals
Schools in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute face falling pupil numbers and challenges in recruiting staff. Scotland-wide education reform is on the way and it is vital that local school leaders are ready and resourced appropriately.
Proposals for change have been developed with ongoing input from ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s Head Teachers and education experts. ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ have produced a website explaining the proposals at - It includes a short film talking the proposals through and provides detailed information for download. Importantly, it includes ways for everybody in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute to have their say and influence the proposals as they are developed further.
This public consultation process will be central to further shaping the Education Transformation Programme proposals before they are presented to the Education Change Committee.
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said:
“The best outcomes for our young people are at the heart of all our work. We are a Council that listens to our communities and this proactive engagement programme is at the core of our decision-making.â€