Morrison’s Academy will not take over running of Beaconhurst.

EDUCATION: Morrison’s says running junior and nursery schools would not be viable

Morrison’s Academy in Crieff has decided not to take over the running of Beachonhurst’s junior schools in Bridge of Allan. It means all Beaconhurst schools are likely to close, with junior and senior pupils now given the opportunity to attend Morrison’s. Last week, officials from both establishments announced they would be creating one independent school for the new academic year, following Beaconhurst’s senior school closure. The deal meant the 122 senior students could make the 40-mile round trip each day from their old school to attend the Crieff establishment. With Morrison’s taking over financial and operational ownership of the Beaconhurst senior school, talks to also take possession of the junior school, including a nursery, began. The negotiations have failed because parents are looking to send their children elsewhere, rather than enrol them in Crieff. A higher attendance is expected at Morrison’s after the summer and more teaching staff may be required. Part of the Stirling campus was expected to be sold, with the funds passed on to the junior school, and to

This will draw to a close a near century of happy memories for thousands of children. TOM PRESTON, BEACONHURST

Morrison’s for developments to outdoor education. It is still to be confirmed if the sale will go ahead and, if so, who will receive the proceeds. Chairman of the board of governors at Morrison’s, Landel Johnston, said: “Unfortunately it has become clear that Beaconhurst’s nursery and junior school are not viable institutions, despite our collective best efforts to preserve a legacy in Bridge of Allan. “We are hugely disappointed that we cannot make this work. However, we have a duty as governors of Morrison’s Academy to protect our institution for the long-term good of pupils and staff alike. “It has become clear recently that many parents are already seeking alternative options for their children, leaving the nursery and junior school with too few pupils to be a going concern. “We were further concerned about the need for significant funding and the lack of clarity around how that funding would be secured.” Tom Preston, chairman of the board of governors at Beaconhurst, said: “Unfortunately Beaconhurst’s Nursery and Junior School will now not be viable concerns next year and are now likely to close. “This will draw to a close a near century of happy memories and wonderful experiences for thousands of children, teachers and support staff in Bridge of Allan. “The time will come to remember the legacy of Beaconhurst, but our priority now is to protect the interests of Beaconhurst pupils, staff and parents.”

Morrison’s Academy’s decision means the Beaconhurst junior and nursery schools are likely to close after it emerged many parents are looking to enrol their children elsewhere.