The number of places for local children will increase

Stirling Council said the decision follows population growth coupled with government moves to shrink class sizes.

Council members agreed to increase the number of reserved places in seven primary schools and one secondary.

The council said the decision would allow local attendance for those moving into the area after enrolment closed.

Although the local authority has operated a reserved places policy for local children, like many other councils, it said more pressure was being put on the system as the population increased.

'High quality'

Councillor Colin Finlay, education spokesman, said: "It is important that we protect these places for children we expect to move into the area in order that they can attend their local school.

"In Stirling we are experiencing population growth at a time when other areas are experiencing a decline.

"Coupled with this we also receive many requests from parents out with the area who want their children to attend our schools because of the high quality of education provision."

Increases to the number of reserved places have been made at Wallace High School, Allan, Bridge of Allan, Cambusbarron, Dunblane, East Plean, Killearn and St Margaret's RC Primary Schools.