PARENTS denied the chance to set up their own school under wider reforms have received an apology over perceived discourtesy in the way they were told.

Campaigners from St Joseph’s Primary, in Milngavie, received a phone call from a civil servant telling them their bid for a self-governing school had been rejected.

The call was made as John Swinney, the Education Secretary, unveiled a radical shake-up of state schools in a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

St Joseph’s parents first submitted their plans to the Scottish Government in February 2015 and it has taken more than two years to get a decision.

Helen Williams, chair of the school’s parent council, said: “After sitting on our proposals for more than two years, it would have been nice to get a phone call from John Swinney himself instead of an anonymous civil servant.

“All we were asking for was a pilot to prove that a community-led school could work successfully. Time is now running out.”

Mr Swinney said: “I didn’t think I could determine their case outwith the governance review which has taken longer given elections and other circumstances.

“I have a duty to explain to parliament what my proposals are first, but I wanted St Joseph’s to be advised in advance which is why officials on my behalf spoke to them.

“There is absolutely no discourtesy involved and if they feel any discourtesy then I apologise because none was intended.”

Campaigners have now met newly-elected local MP Jo Swinson to discuss future options.