A MOVE to ‘close’ two schools in favour of a new single school in Haddington has been given the green light by councillors.

East Lothian Council met on Tuesday and discussed plans to shut Haddington Infant School and King’s Meadow Primary School, creating a new single school, covering nursery through to P7.

The new school, which is yet to be named, will operate from the existing school sites under one headteacher.

Ward councillor Shamin Akhtar, cabinet spokeswoman for education, thanked members of the public for getting involved in a public consultation.

A total of 147 responses from members of the public were received: 43 per cent were in favour of the new school, with 49 per cent against the idea and the remaining eight per cent having no opinion.

Ms Akhtar said: “It’s clear that the establishment of one new primary school under a shared management structure offers the best solution to developing a stronger and more cohesive curriculum.

“It also offers pupils better continuity by removing the additional transition stage when moving from P3 to P4.”

The change – which is subject to the conclusion of the Scottish Ministerial call-in period – is expected to take place from this August or as soon as possible thereafter.

Education Scotland highlighted benefits, including the opportunity to improve learning and teaching and further raise attainment; the establishment of a single staff team working together should bring greater curricular coherence; and children benefiting from improved progression planning to better meet their needs, and improved transition from infant to upper stages

Fiona Robertson, the council’s head of education, said: “We know that consistency is vital for learner progression, effective and seamless transition, and raising attainment for all. Pupil wellbeing is also better supported where approaches are consistent across one school team.

“We will write to staff and parents advising them of the proposed changes and affirming our commitment to work with and engage everyone in the school community in this period of transition.”