A vital report that could decide whether Menzieshill High School continues teaching or closes its doors forever is now with Dundee City Council.
Over the next month, senior officials will study the findings of Education Scotland’s inspectors before they can be discussed by councillors.
It has emerged, however, that despite the hugely controversial and sensitive nature of the final decision, the inspectors may never have visited the closure-threatened school.
Documentation seen by The Courier also reveals that Education Scotland officials did not attend the consultation on the school’s closure, despite attending similar meetings at Baldragon and Harris academies two other institutions that would be affected by the closure.
The Rev Bob Mallinson, from the Save Menzieshill High campaign, said: “How can this report be fair when they did not even come and listen to our concerns?
“I would call into question the fairness of the Education Scotland report.
“It is not right that they should listen to the views of some and not others. It should be all or none.”
An Education Scotland spokesman said: “HM Inspectors provide an independent and impartial report of the educational aspects of a council’s proposal in accordance with the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.
“Our report to Dundee City Council will be published on our website on the same date as Dundee City Council publishes its final consultation report.”
The spokesman refused to say whether inspectors had visited Menzieshill High.
According to the body’s website, they receive a council-prepared “summary” of oral representations at any meetings inspectors are unable to attend.
Menzieshill High School was slated for closure after the council said it was operating “significantly below” the building’s capacity.
There are 487 pupils at the school this year, representing a 48% occupancy level. This has dropped from 67% in the school year 2008/09.
However, councillors recently approved the massive new Western Gateway housing development, near the Swallow roundabout, and campaigners argue that this would boost the school’s roll.