THE controversial new Higher exam system introduced at Hermitage Academy has pushed some students to take “radical measures” including moving schools and seeking private tuition, councillors heard this week.

The issues were raised at a meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on Tuesday, where it was said a lack of clarity concerning the new curriculum is putting pupils’ futures at risk.

The school’s head teacher, Geoff Urie, and Argyll and Bute Council’s head of education, Ann Marie Knowles, were questioned on the new Higher exam system – which involves pupils sitting one round of exams at the end of fifth year.

They told councillors there was “nothing to worry about” regarding the new system, sparking a strong reaction, with some of the elected members to suggest pupils were being “kept in education for too long” and that the “uncertainty is causing stress.”

Helensburgh Central councillor Vivien Dance said: “Parents have little or no understanding about what is being said.

“We still have a serious issue. For a parent asking what model their child is taking part in there still aren’t answers.

“We have a thunderstorm brewing as parents are dissatisfied with these courses. There is unrest.

“Why are youngsters transferring to other schools or going into supervised studying?

“There is still a percentage that are not happy with this course.

“The whole scenario is concerning.”

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail added students were being kept in education for “too long” as a result of the new curriculum.

Mr Urie confirmed letters had been handed out and that the school website was updated regularly about the courses available to students.

He said there will be consultations and individual meetings offered on request, which have been “positive” so far, and added “there were no concerns” raised.

He added: “There are lots of positive things happening at the school as well while this review is taking place.

He said: “The school still has an intake and visits to the school are always a positive experience.”

The meeting heard figures showed the school performed below the local authority and national averages for academic year 2014/15, with almost half of entrants failing certain subjects completely. This was the first of the new two-year exam system,

Helensburgh Central councillor James Robb, a parent of children at the school, said: “The school achieved the worst results last year. The uncertainty is causing stress for parents as there is no plan because everything keeps changing.

“It is quite a statement that parents are taking their kids out to do supervised study. A considerable amount of the school have done something radical in response to these changes,” he added.

Ms Knowles, the council’s head of education, advised that those who have concerns can speak to the schools and there will be meetings available to those who ask.

She said: “There are no default models in the curriculum at present.

“We understand that there is a lack of clarity which needs to be looked at following consultations with parents.We have given a commitment to working with the school but I can’t answer all questions until a parent meeting is held. There is good progress being made, but improvements are needed so communication is crucial to achieve the best results.”

She added: “There is no research or evidence to what is best for pupils and different schools have different systems.

“A significant amount of young people see the benefits of the enhancements presented. We want to make sure young people do not miss out and the school is working hard to engage with the parent council.”