Beaconhurst parents in school scramble after shock merger

Frantic Beaconhurst School parents say they have been left scrambling to find places at both private and council-run schools.

As reported in Wednesday’s Stirling Observer, the local independent school announced on Tuesday that its senior school is to close as part of a merger with Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, leaving only the nursery and junior schools on the Bridge of Allan site.

While Morrison’s say they can accommodate all 122 senior pupils affected, parents say they were blindsided by the bombshell announcement, just days before the start of the summer break.

Many of those who do not want their children making the trip up the A9 to Crieff 20 miles from Bridge of Allan - were frantically trying to make alternative arrangements for the new school year before the end of term.

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “Some parents feel they have been left with no option but to let their children transfer to Morrison’s at the start of the new term, at least for the meantime.

“But others have spent the last few days trying to find places at other schools, not only other independent schools such as Dollar Academy but in state secondary schools.

“Parents had no warning. We all received an email at 7pm on Monday night.”

Beaconhurst’s school prizegiving ceremony is due to take place at St Columba’s Church today (Friday).

“This should have been one of the most positive days in the school’s calendar,” added the parent, “but there are sure to be a lot of upset children and angry parents there, bearing in mind there are also staff who are losing their jobs.”

A Stirling Council spokesman said: “We received no prior warning of the Beaconhurst School decision. There have been some enquiries for places in our schools from parents affected by this.”