Glasgow School of Sport closure could be pushed back to 2029

Councillors are set to vote on whether to push back the closure of Scotland's only school of sporting excellence to 2029.

It had been proposed to close Glasgow School of Sport (GSOS), based at Bellahouston Academy, at the end of term in June due to funding problems.

Pupils are selected from across the country based on their abilities in athletics, badminton, gymnastics, hockey and swimming.

A new report, to be discussed by Glasgow City Council on Thursday, recommends the schools stays open until all current pupils have completed their education.

Former pupils of GSOS include swimmer Michael Jamieson, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, and badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who has also won a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

The paper by Bailie Annette Christie, the council's convener for culture, sport and international relations, said there are currently 38 pupils in S3-S6 attending the school - down from 60 in April last year.

A pause on new students was introduced in 2024 as the council and Glasgow Life looked for funding support.

The council wanted financial help to reflect the school's "national catchment" but requests were "unsuccessful".

Currently, 13 students are from Glasgow and 25 from other council areas.

The report adds Glasgow Life's costs for GSOS are £730,000 for 2025/26, with Glasgow pupils accounting for around £248,000.

The report states a talented sports performer scheme would be reviewed if the plan to close the school goes ahead. It could be tailored to "better support the evolving needs of talented sports performers in Glasgow".

Pupils previously told BBC Scotland News they feared being "abandoned" by plans to close the school this year, while others questioned how it looked ahead of this summer's Commonwealth games.

The report states Glasgow Life chaired a meeting in September where Scottish Athletics, Badminton Scotland, Scottish Gymnastics, Scottish Swimming, Sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport were all represented.

The report said: "It was confirmed and agreed that the NGBs associated with GSOS sports are best placed to deliver high-quality performance pathways, aligning with Sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport's approach of devolving responsibility for performance pathways to the NGBs,"

"While they may not be able to fully replicate the integrated provision offered at GSOS, each NGB is recognised as the specialist in its respective sport and is best equipped to provide the appropriate support structures tailored to individual athletes."

The move will be discussed by the Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee on Thursday.

Reporting by Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Drew Sandelands.