Commenting on Growing Population Pressures on School Places in Dundee

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The latest projection for population growth in Dundee over the next 25 years is good news for the economy of the city. It does however have a potential downside beacuse it will significantly increase pressure on school places. These government figures for Dundee published by the Council show a projected 20% + increase in the 0-15 population of the city by 2037.

The last report to the Education Committee about the demand for places and the capacity of  individual schools, has already identified that there are primary and secondary schools where demand either exceeds or is close to the places available in these schools. Craigowl Primary School in the Startmartine area is bursting at the seams and Barnhill, Eastern and Forthill Primary Schools and Grove Acdemy in The Ferry along with Morgan Academy in the Maryfield area are all working close to capacity.

In the light of new information about more sustained growth in the population of school and nursery age children, it's important that the Education Committee receive an update about how the City will respond to this long term challenge. We must avoid overcrowded schools or children not able to access their local primary and secondary schools.

Link to Population Projections for Dundee

Well Qualified and Growing Population Positive Indicators for Dundee in Agenda for Cities Report

While the Cities Outlook Report 2012, makes it clear that Dundee is really suffering in the current economic recession, there are two positive statistics in the report which shouldn't be lost:

the qualifications of the population and recent population growth.

One prominent and favourable statistic for Dundee in the Agenda for Cities Report is that our city is amongst the top ten cities in the UK for educational qualifications.

Over one-third of the adult population has a university degree, higher degree, diploma or its equivalent.

This shows the very high skills base that Dundee possesses to attract potential businesses and to drive the city’s future economic growth.

Another promising feature recorded in the report has been the turn-around in the city’s population. Over the past two years the city has achieved an encouraging increase in population of over 2,000.

Our well qualified population and our increase in population are both positive indicators which should help the city make the best of the economic recovery when it comes.