The School Placings and Exclusions Appeals Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The committee was scheduled to consider three placing appeals relating to Meldrum Academy and review guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee was scheduled to consider guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty. This duty, outlined in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010¹, requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity between those with protected characteristics and those without; and foster good relations between these groups. The protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Members were to consider the contents of any Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA)² provided within reports, taking them into account when reaching decisions.

Placing Appeals for Meldrum Academy

Three placing appeals concerning Meldrum Academy were scheduled for discussion. These appeals, identified as E 1041, E 1046, and E 1051, were to be heard in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the adoption, care, fostering, education, or supervision of particular children. The report pack indicated that the committee would follow a specific procedure for these virtual hearings, involving presentations from the Education Authority and the appellant, followed by questioning from both sides and the committee members. The procedure also included summing-up statements and a commitment to notify parties of the committee's decision in writing within 14 days of the hearing.