Councillors agree to wide-ranging review of region’s schools

education: Move to bring costs under control – raising fears of possible closures

Councillors have approved a review of schools across Perth and Kinross, raising the spectre of possible closures, but moved to allay fears among staff, pupils and parents.

Councillor Bob Band, convener of the lifelong learning committee, said they were simply agreeing to the criteria of a review at this stage.

“This is not an attempt to steamroller anybody,” said Mr Band at a meeting of the committee yesterday.

The aim of the review of all primaries and secondaries is part of an effort to bring rising revenue costs under control. The initiative, part of the council’s five-year transformation programme, will look at the condition of school buildings, pupil numbers and occupancy rates.

A report to the committee from director (education and children’s services) Sheena Devlin pointed out the council’s commitment to the region’s schools, but also the financial pressures they face.

“Over the next seven years, the council will invest £145 million in the school estate, including a number of new or replacement primary schools and a substantial upgrade programme for secondary schools,” she said.

“In addition, the Scottish Government is funding a new £32.5m secondary school at Bertha Park.”

However, the ongoing revenue costs – £29.1m in the year 2015-16 – were “significant” the report said, requiring the school estate to be “managed in an efficient and effective manner”.

The review, which was approved by councillors, will identify a number of possible areas for savings including reconfiguration of accommodation, shared headships, catchment reviews and rationalisation through closure.

There is a legal presumption against the closure of rural schools, ensuring the future of Glenlyon, Kenmore and Kinloch Rannoch primaries, but the possible future of other schools had caused some anxiety among the public.

The figures in the report revealed that there are 10 schools running well below capacity (under 40%) and the reasons for this will be examined in the review.

Councillor Willie Wilson asked for assurances that future trends, including house building, be taken into account.

Over the next seven years, the council will invest £145m in the school estate, including a number of new or replacement primary schools ... SHEENA DEVLIN