It is proposed that the existing catchment areas for St Mary’s Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School, St Peter’s Primary School and Our Lady and St Anne’s Primary School are realigned.

If, following a period of statutory consultation, the proposals were approved, the implementation date of any catchment realignment would be for P1 enrolment in January 2027 for session 2027/2028.

Families with children already attending any of the affected schools and with a further sibling enrolling in P1 in respect of school sessions August 2027 through to August 2032 will have the choice for their P1 child to be granted placement in that school regardless of any catchment change.

The statutory consultation process will include public meetings to fully engage with the local communities affected by this proposal.

Executive Director of Education Resources, Lyndsay McRoberts, said: “There are a number of reasons to look at the catchment areas of all four schools, including changes in housing patterns, population distribution, and planned developments.

“Redrawing the boundaries would support more effective management of school capacities and a more balanced distribution of pupils across the schools.

“We do of course want to hear from people who will be affected by these proposed changes, and details of the statutory consultation process will be publicised in the coming weeks and months.”

More details are available in a report that was agreed at the council’s Executive Committee.