Consultation into rezoning of Balmedie School catchment at Blackdog

A consultation has begun on proposals to rezone the Balmedie School catchment at Blackdog.

Blackdog is currently split with houses in the north zoned to Balmedie School, under Aberdeenshire Council control, whilst houses to the south are zoned to Scotstown School, within Aberdeen City Council jurisdiction

As the area has expanded, families have been uncertain on catchment areas and school transport entitlement.

In May, Aberdeenshire Council carried out an informal survey for the residents of Blackdog to gain their views and comments on the current primary school catchment areas with 78% of respondents saying they should be zoned to Balmedie School.

The consultation, which runs until January 6, is looking for people’s views on plans to rezone the Balmedie School catchment area to include the whole of Blackdog and align with the Aberdeenshire Council boundary.

People can find out more during a public meeting at 6.30pm on November 10 at Balmedie School on Forsyth Road in the village.

If the changes go ahead, they will come into effect from August 2023, though there would be no requirement for existing primary school pupils to move if their catchment area changes.

Education Scotland will review the consultation results and engage with stakeholders early next year before Aberdeenshire Council assesses the consultation responses.

A final report into the consultation findings will be presented at Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children`s Services Committee next summer.

To take part, visit https://tinyurl.com/BalmedieSchoolRezoning 

Written comments can be emailed to LearningEstates@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or sent to Learning Estates, Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3WA.

Comments should be received no later than 4pm on January 6, 2023.