Parents are set to launch an advertising campaign today in a bid to stop Scotland’s last remaining all-girls state school from having to admit boys.
Parents of pupils attending Notre Dame High in Glasgow are taking action after a consultation was launched over its future.
A billboard van will tour the city with a sign that reads: “Keep Notre Dame High School a positive choice for Glasgow’s girls.”
Long read: The all-girls school under pressure to mix things up
Opinion: Single-sex schools: a successful anachronism?
Research: Can split-gender classes narrow the attainment gap?
Michelle Watt, chair of the parent council, told The Herald newspaper that there was an overwhelming feeling against the move to making the school mixed sex.
She said: “The ad is to show the strength of feeling many parents have about wanting to keep the school as a positive choice for families.
“For more than 120 years, the school has opened its doors to girls from Pollokshields to Partick, from the west end to Easterhouse.
“The school is almost full, with a roll currently made up of 78 per cent placing requests, showing that families are actively choosing to send their girls to benefit from its inclusive and girl-centric environment.”
Following campaigning from primary school parents in the catchment area, Glasgow City Council agreed to launch a public consultation last month.
The consultation document shows that £750,000 of alterations would be required to ensure that appropriate toilet and changing facilities were available within Notre Dame High if it became co-educational.
Three public meetings are also being held with the first one taking place at Notre Dame High School, in the west end, tomorrow.
The consultation runs until Sunday 26 May.
There are three options that can be commented on: keep the school as it is with the same catchment; keep the school as it is with an increased catchment area; change the school to allow boys.
Ms Watt added: “Notre Dame High is one of the top performing secondaries in Glasgow and is actively contributing to narrowing the attainment gap between the city’s wealthiest and most deprived pupils.
“Many girls are from our vibrant ethnic communities; many have shared beliefs and many come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It is important we keep their choice of education available and their voices heard.”
She added: “At a time when young women are still being disadvantaged because of their gender, this school is empowering them to reach their full potential.”
The historic Notre Dame High School was recently placed third in an exams league table.
