Consultation on changing the start and finish times at secondary schools

Published 19 September 2025

West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking residents’ views on plans to change the start and end times of secondary schools.

The Educational Services Committee approved the launch of the consultation to get the views of parents and carers on altering the start time from 8.50am to 9.00am while finishing at the later time of 3.50pm on a Wednesday.

If approved, it will free up 50 minutes to allow for an additional period of learning, bringing the number of learning periods up to 33 every week.

The proposal aligns with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) aims, supports equity and attainment, increases curricular flexibility, and enables better alignment with national educational priorities such as reducing teacher contact time and promoting interdisciplinary learning. The proposed change has been successfully implemented across several Scottish local authorities, including Angus, Moray, Dundee, Stirling, and North Ayrshire.

The consultation will run for six weeks from Thursday 18th September 2025 until Friday 31st October 2025 and public meetings will be held to give residents, parents and carers the chance to give their views. 

· 21st October 2025 – in person and online at 6pm in Vale of Leven Academy;

· 22nd October 2025 – in person and online at 6pm in Our Lady & St. Patrick’s High School;

· 23rd October 2025 – in person and online at 6pm in Dumbarton Academy;

· 28th October 2025 – in person and online at 6pm in Clydebank High School; 

· 29th October 2025 – in person and online at 6pm in St. Peter the Apostle High School.

Each meeting will also have an online option for any families unable to attend in person. Parents and carers who would prefer can submit their question in writing two days in advance and it will be considered and discussed by Educational Officers during the meeting.

Convener of Educational Services, Councillor Clare Steel, said: “The views of our parents and carers are really important to us, and we want to hear their voices on how the proposed change may affect them and the young people in our schools. I’m pleased that meetings will also be available online so more parents and carers can attend to hear more about the proposed plans.”   

Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “It is important that we give families the opportunity to share their views on the proposed changes to the school day. Along with current families we will also be asking for the views of parents and carers of those young people starting secondary school in the summer.  There are many ways to contribute to the consultation and I would urge families to either attend the meeting or submit their views so they can be taken into consideration.”

The Proposal Document will also be published on the West Dunbartonshire Council website and copies will be available from West Dunbartonshire Council, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL and from all West Dunbartonshire early learning centres and primary schools.

Parents and carers can give their comments online at  https://forms.gle/xDZuGDVqYvSA7w6S9

and by email to  murray.hanvey@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Written submissions should be sent to the Chief Education Officer, West Dunbartonshire Council, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL.

The Proposal Document is available in alternative formats or in translated form for anyone whose first language is not English.

Comments and representations should be received no later than midnight on Friday 31 0ctober 2025 and the feedback from the consultation and the appropriate recommendations will be presented to the Educational Services Committee on Wednesday 26 November 2025. If agreed, it will be implemented for young people starting secondary school in August 2026.