EXPERTS could be called in to help people decide whether boys should be let into Scotland’s last state-funded single sex-school.

Public consultation on the future of Notre Dame High School opened on Monday, with three options on the table.

City chiefs are proposing no change, allowing the school to accept boys or retaining the single-sex status but adding more primary schools to the catchment area.

And an academic-led hearing could be organised to give advice on the process after calls from councillor Bill Butler.

READ MORE: Notre Dame: Discussion to begin on future of Glasgow's last girls' school

Mr Butler told Glasgow City Council’s education committee: “Some people say it’s exclusive not inclusive if it’s single-sex, other people say that actually it gives advantages to young women.

“This is not an easy debate. There’s much to be said on both sides. Let’s see if we can get some advice.”

He suggested contacting the Scottish Parliament Information Centre for academic contacts.

Councillor Anna Richardson said she was a “huge believer in evidence based policy-making” but the committee has to be “very clear about what evidence gathering is seeking to do”.

She questioned what message it would send if research discovered single-sex education was better.

Committee convener Richard Bell committed to meeting with the Council’s Director of Education Maureen McKenna to discuss whether there was relevant evidence available. If so, he said he would call a meeting.

READ MORE: Future Glasgow's single-sex state school Notre Dame High to be discussed next week

Jill Grady, spokeswoman for Notre Dome High 4 All, said the school is failing its local community.

“We support the council’s aim to have local schools for local children but currently only 19% of places at the school are filled by local girls. 

“The rest come from far outside of our community and outside of Glasgow making Notre Dame High a city-wide school by default.

READ MORE: Council to consult on Scotland's last girls-only school Notre Dame High

“It runs under capacity – 83 seats are unfilled every day – while local boys are forced to take part in a placing request lottery to go to their local school, not knowing where they’ll end up.

“Many of them must walk past Notre Dame High each day to schools far outside their local community.”

However, Notre Dame High School parent council supports the status quo, arguing local primary schools are already well served. It says Notre Dame offers opportunities for people in areas of the city without top schools.

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