The Hutchesons' - Laurel Park Merger, August, 2001
At the turn of the century, Hutchesons' Grammar was one of three schools approached by the Governors of Laurel Park School to investigate the possibility of merger. Laurel Park, itself the result of merging two schools long synonymous with the furtherance of girls' education, had maintained their tradition of an all-round education with a high academic standard.
Hutchesons' was interested in the possibilities of an alliance. The Laurel Park Board then found Hutchesons' proposals best suited to their wishes for the future, which included the provision of a stable financial future, continuity of the use of the Laurel Park buildings as a school, uninterrupted educational provision for the pupils, and protection of the whole Laurel Park staff.
The merger was announced in January, 2001, with the two schools combining under the Hutchesons' name. The home of Laurel Park, in Lilybank Terrace, became a co-educational Primary School from August, 2001, with the guarantee that all current Laurel Park Primary pupils would be able to finish their primary education in that building. In a break with Laurel Park tradition, the Lilybank Primary would become co-educational as a part of co-educational Hutchesons' Grammar School. It was a sign of new times and could not be expected to be popular amongst all Laurel Park parents. Secondary pupils were promised unchanged arrangements for Session 2001-2, except that they would have access to the wider educational provision offered by Hutchesons' if, for the S6 pupils, they wished to move to Beaton Road. The Laurel Park teachers were gradually transferred to Beaton Road over the 16 months from the date of the merger.
Hutchesons' became owners of the Lilybank buildings in the West End and the extensive Anniesland sports facilities. All Hutchesons' parents were to have their choice of the two primary schools and the intention , of having two primary streams feeding into the Secondary school from both sides of the River Clyde, was a realisation of long-forgotten nineteenth century aspirations for a series of Hutchesons' Schools throughout the city. Although these ambitions were to founder at the beginning of this century as they had at the beginning of the last, the effect of the merger has been consistent with the evolution of Hutchesons'. The school has always adapted to prevalent circumstances as a way of ensuring survival from strength. And while Hutchie promised security and a continuation of the highest class of education to the Lilybank community, Laurel Park brought a gentler tone to Crossmyloof, one more suited to the new century and changing ways of educating children.