Scottish Catholic Observer

From August 2021, the Catholic high school will admit boys for the first time after a lengthy consultation.

Two opposing campaigns battled over the only remaining publicly funded single-sex school in Scotland.

The decision to remove the status and admit boys was backed unanimously by councillors from all parties at Glasgow City council.

‘First class school’

A spokesman for the Glasgow Archdiocese said: “Notre Dame was a first class school when it was single-sex and it will be a first class school as a co-educational establishment. We look forward to the next chapter in the school’s proud history.”

During the consultation the Church did not take a stance on the issue and regarded ‘the principle of parental choice to be paramount,’ stating that whatever the outcome of the consultation, ‘the Church is keen to support inclusive schools with a distinct Catholic ethos.’

Notre Dame High School will admit boys from August 2021 but only to S1 initially, as education chiefs said there was a need ‘to be sensitive.’

Engagement

Maureen McKenna, executive director of Education for Glasgow City Council said today: “Now that the decision has been made by elected members, education officers will start to develop transition plans and will engage with school and parent representatives from all the associated primary schools and secondary schools affected by changes.

“There’s not only the physical aspects that need to be considered but we also need to be sensitive and recognise that this represents a significant change for the school and local community.

“I am confident that Notre Dame High School will continue to provide an excellent education to the young people of Glasgow and their families.”