A PETITION has been launched against controversial plans for a radical shake-up of the management structure at schools across Argyll and Bute.

Earlier this year the Advertiser revealed that Argyll and Bute Council's 'education change programme' had been paused to allow more time, with engagement being sought with communities, staff and representative bodies on the school leadership model and potential clustering of schools.

Executive head posts had been proposed each with responsibility for up to eight schools.

Now Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, is claiming the move could see the number of head teacher roles slashed from 84 to around 14.

'Early adopter' clusters were suggested in Dunoon, on Bute, and in Kintyre, with further rollout across all Argyll and Bute schools.

Though the possible impact on rural Helensburgh and Lomond primaries is not yet known parent council and teacher groups in the area are being encouraged to share their views.

A statement on the EIS petition page says: "The EIS is concerned about the development of an education change programme in Argyll and Bute.

"This change seeks to establish school clusters with executive head posts which would decrease the current number of headteachers from 84 to around 14.

"There is significant member concern about how this will affect schools, teachers and pupils.

"The EIS believes that school leadership is critical and every school and its community should have a headteacher in post.

"Our starting point should always be to locate leadership as close as possible to practitioner practice.

"We believe these changes are simply a cost cutting exercise that will not empower schools and support attainment but rather will damage educational delivery, quality and equity in Argyll and Bute."

Argyll and Bute Council has been contacted for comment.

We'll have more on this in next week's Advertiser - out on Thursday, November 25.