A CATHOLIC school in Hawick will close during the summer.

Members of Scottish Borders Council agreed to support the closure of St Margaret’s at a meeting on Thursday and offer pupils an alternative place at a catchment primary school.

The decision follows a consultation process during the winter after numbers at the primary dropped.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive member for Children and Young People, told us: “The decision to close a school is not one that is taken lightly.

"It only ever follows extensive consultation with pupils, families, staff and the wider community. In the case of St Margaret’s, engagement has also been carried out with the Roman Catholic Church and their representatives.

“We would like to thank everyone who gave us their feedback, which was carefully considered both by ourselves and Education Scotland. However, agreement has now been given to the proposal to close St Margaret’s from the end of the summer term.

“We have been engaging with pupils and staff throughout the consultation process, appreciating that this has been an unsettling time and doing all we can to reassure and keep them informed as we have gone through each stage. A transition plan has been developed and this will now be put in place to ensure that pupils can be supported with the transfer to their new primary from August. Any pupils who are due to move up to Hawick High will continue with the arrangements already in place.

“The small staff team affected by the change are being supported by our HR colleagues to ensure their future employment. We would like to thank them for their commitment to St Margaret’s over the years and particularly for their patience and support over the past few months.”

The decision will leave the Scottish Borders with only three Catholic primary schools - St Joseph's in Selkirk, St Margaret's in Galashiels and Halyrude in Peebles.

The Scottish Government will consider the decision before finalising the closure in eight weeks' time.

Councillor Hamilton added: “Once confirmation has been received from the Scottish Government of their final decision, discussions will be held as to the future use of the building.

“We will also make arrangements to host an event that will celebrate the life and legacy of St Margaret’s, honouring the contribution that it has made to the Hawick community over the years and giving everyone who has been involved with the school the chance to say a respectful farewell.”