Tuesday January 13th 2026
The packed meeting in Calderwood Primary School on Monday night. More than 300 registered an interest and more than 400 people attended according to Calderwood.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
Calderwood parents have won the first round of their campaign for a new high school in East Calder.
West Lothian’s Education Executive agreed to stall formal consultation on new catchment areas for East Calder children to allow more discussions with the community.
The decision follows a turnout of more than 400 to a public meeting in November at which East Calder parents rejected proposals to send their children to either Winchburgh or Livingston for high school.
Councillors agreed to delay the start of the statuary consultation to allow further discussion with parents and community groups in the area.
The final goal of a new East Calder high school could cost anywhere between £70m and £90m. Planned extensions at James Young High School, identified as one of the proposed catchment schools for the village to accommodate growing numbers in the future would cost around £25m.
In a report the Education Executive Lisamaria Purdie, Interim head of Primary Education said: “Taking account of the views expressed in the non-statutory pre-consultation, officers will not present proposals for statutory consultation at this time. It is intended to bring proposals forward following further engagement with the communities affected.
“The recommended postponement will have an impact on pupils in attendance at the schools affected, however action will be taken to minimise this impact. It should be noted that this action can mitigate impact until the end of academic session 2027- 2028.”
The report detailed to consequences of the delay as itis forecast that in August 2027 not all catchment children will be able to be accommodated at West Calder High School within the S1 intake capacity of 240.
The report added: “Discussion has taken place with the headteacher of West Calder High School and it has been agreed that the school can accommodate an S1 intake of 260 for one year only in August 2027 without detriment to pupils in attendance at the school. This increase in S1 admissions, for one year only, is anticipated to allow the admission of all catchment pupils currently in attendance at associated schools in August 2027.”
Welcoming the decision SNP group councillors sought guarantees around qualification for placing requests to ensure siblings attend the same schools.
There were also questions about Distance qualification in placing requests.
Local Conservative councillor Damian Doran-Timson also welcomed the decision to delay a final decision and engage with the community.
Fellow ward member the SNP’s Veronica Smith said: “I welcome the recommendations of the report .”
Depute group leader Councillor Pauline Stafford said: “It was the right decision to pause and not rush at this point.” She said the council was responding to that and working with the parents” to find an acceptable and sustainable solution.”
Chair of the committee Councillor Andrew McGuire told the meeting: I had the honour to chair all four of the public meetings and I think it was very clear the strength of feeling.” He added that decision would help build trust in the community that the council was keen to work with residents.”
Lib Dem councillor Sally Pattle said: “I just wanted to say thanks for how this process was carried out. It is real testament to the fact that the council does listen. Officers have listened.I want to congratulate everyone involved.”
Ms Purdie told the meeting that engagement would include parents groups, Calderwood residents and local community councils.
Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said local MSP Angela Constance had offered to meet the council to discuss the funding of a new East Calder High School and improvement to NHS facilities in the village and he had accepted that offer.
Ms Constance said after the meeting; “This is a welcome outcome and a clear example of community voices making a difference. Parents and residents have been persistent, organised and constructive in making the case for East Calder, and common sense has prevailed as a result. This decision did not happen by chance. It is down to families taking the time to speak up, engage with the process and stand together for their community.”
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