Beaconhurst ‘international school’ news is welcomed
News that the former Beaconhurst School is to re-open as an international school appears to be being welcomed by people in the area.
As revealed in last Wednesday’s Observer, Fairview Schools – which already has five education establishments in Malaysia– is planning its first school in Scotland at the Bridge of Allan site.
The school is expected to open in August, initially as a junior school but with future potential for nursery and secondary stages depending on demand.
Scottish Conservative Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Alexander Stewart, who lives nearby, said: “As a Bridge of Allan resident, I am delighted to learn of this news that Beaconhurst could re-open under the patronage of Fairview International Schools.
“Beaconhurst School’s initial closure was very upsetting and a huge blow to the Bridge of Allan economy.
“This was easily the best small school in Scotland and now it has the opportunity to shine again under the auspices of Fairview International, which already runs schools in Malaysia teaching International Baccalaureate programmes to some 3000 students . I feel that Beaconhurst’s re-opening would certainly be a new lease of life and a real boost for the economy and community as a whole.”
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr also welcomed the news.
“It was a massive loss to Bridge of Allan when Beaconhurst closed down last year,” he said.“I am hugely encouraged by this news, and I hope that the plans come to fruition and Bridge of Allan gains a new top-level place of education.”
Readers also took to social media with their comments.
Lisa Nicholas said:“I’m glad it’s a school and not houses or flats. Hope it does well.”
Jennifer Ure said:“It’s to be an international school...not really as it was for local people.”
However, Alison Kilgour replied: “Local children can attend an international school. It’s more about the education being globally recognised.”
Offering an International Baccalaureate qualification, it is understood the new school will be called Fairview Beaconhurst.
Among specialities expected to be offered are intensive music programmes and teaching of Mandarin Chinese.
Beaconhurst School parents and pupils were left devastated when school governors announced just days before last year’s summer break that its senior school was being axed and merged with Crieff independent school Morrison’s Academy.
A week later the board then dropped another bombshell by announcing the private school’s nursery and junior departments were also to shut.
Matters became even more complex when the governors called in administrators.
It is unclear what, if any impact, the deal will have for Beaconhurst School creditors, including parents and small businesses left out of pocket by the closure.