School calls in administrators
Creditors get priority, say governors
Beaconhurst governors are to call in administrators after a crowdfunding campaign to save the Bridge of Allan School was deemed too uncertain.
Two weeks ago governors announced the senior school was being axed and merged with Crieff independent school Morrison’s Academy.
However, just a week later they dropped another bombshell by announcing the private school’s nursery and junior departments were also to shut.
Since then a ‘Save Beaconhurst’ campaign has raised more than £40,000 in online pledges.
However parents and teachers behind the campaign may have some time to wait before they find out if their scheme is feasible.
The board of governors said this week creditors will have to be given priority in the administration process before any other options can be fully taken into consideration.
The board had asked accountancy firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCooper) to review the plan being developed by the campaigners against various criteria, including access to the required level of short and longer term funding, evidence of projected pupil numbers and the ability of the proposal to service existing debt within the school.
However, following a meeting between the board, PwC and representatives from the group this week, the board “reluctantly” agreed with PwC’s recommendation to call in administrators, adding that the campaign group’s ability to secure funds or pupil numbers was too unclear at this stage.
Tom Preston, chairman of the board of governors at Beaconhurst, said: “Parents and staff are bound to have questions about the future. We will continue to share updates regularly and would encourage anyone with specific queries to contact the school.
“As we enter the administration process we will be working closely with those responsible to assist the administrator with assessing the position and planning the administration process.
“However, it is still very early in that process. Our priorities after satisfying our creditors will be to support current parents, pupils and staff and then to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for Beaconhurst.”
It could also be some time, therefore, before it is clear what will happen to the school grounds and the proceeds of any sale.
In a letter issued to parents yesterday (Tuesday) Mr Preston said the board was interested in considering “any viable plan” for the school.
However, he added: “A group of parents and teachers have been working on a plan for the school. The board’s position on this initiative was that we are interested in considering any viable plan for the school and indeed requested that Price Waterhouse Cooper provided information on required funding levels to the group to support their work.
“The board is, however, also aware of our responsibilities to creditors given the financial position of the school and the desire amongst a number of parents and teachers for certainty.
“The board believes the nature of the assets required to be sold to repay creditors is such that it will be some time before the outcome of the administration is known but it is hoped we will be in a position to look to deploy surplus assets in order to retain the Beaconhurst legacy, in the form of bursaries and scholarships, initially to ensure continuity for those transferring to Morrison’s Academy. We will also look for opportunities to invest in areas consistent with the Beaconhurst offer regarding sports and outdoor education.”
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr is among those backing attempts to save the school.
He said: “The closure of any school in these circumstances is regrettable. The shutting down of this nearly 100-year-old institution would leave a hole in Bridge of Allan’s education system and I hope the efforts of the Beaconhurst family to keep the school open will bear fruit.”
Stirling Council has confirmed a “slight increase” in enquiries for council nursery and primary school placements on the back of the closure news. A spokesperson added: “At this time, numbers have not been high but we are gathering relevant information.”
Closure of any school in these circumstances is regrettable