Talks on the future of city centre school
Options for the future of Allan’s Primary School should be brought forward to councillors later this year.
The city centre primary school was told in 2018 that it could end up being relocated after the accommodation was given the lowest suitability rating of any school building in the Stirling area.
However, SNP councillor Susan Mcgill recently asked for an update on the situation at a special meeting of Stirling Council, saying: “Allan’s Primary School was classed as category D due to lack of play space. The parents were informed at the time that an option appraisal was being carried out and that a new school was being considered.”
Children and young people convener Councillor Danny Gibson (Labour) said: “Allan’s Primary School has been rated as a D category site due to the lack of external space and the quality of internal spaces.
“Officers are concluding the options appraisal and will bring a report and recommendation on the future development options for the school to the children and young people committee later this year.”
Pressed by Councillor Mcgill over the timeframe and whether the sheriff court building next to the school would be included in the options appraisal, Councillor Gibson said he would ask officers dealing with it to respond separately.
Despite two years of investment and refurbishment work by Stirling Council, Allan’s Primary was given a ‘D’ rating in 2018 because of the constraints of the site and the building in Spittal Street.
At that time council officials said it was time to look at whether or not a new site needed to be found for the school, which dates back to 1889 and was also refurbished in 1991.
While the ratings system does not reflect the quality of education and teaching at schools, learning environment is seen as an important component.
Officers had at that time outlined initial work on a 10-year investment plan for the area’s schools and nurseries.
While several were highlighted as needing input, Allan’s was raised as a priority.
Their report had added: “Allan’s Primary School, a previous priority due to being in poor condition, has been subject to two years of capital investment, including works to upgrade and replace the roof, internal toilet refurbishment and boiler replacement.
“The investment has increased the condition rating to 72 per cent, however the school remains a priority due to the suitability of the site. The suitability assessment deemed the school a D rating due to the lack of outdoor space, small classroom sizes and lack of social spaces.
“Allan’s PS will be subject to an option appraisal to determine its future provision and location. A strategic case will be delivered to support major investment required to increase the suitability of the school.”
Condition ratings for the buildings themselves are calculated using reports undertaken by buildings surveyors.
Considerations can include the urgency of any repairs, potential shortcomings to the overall delivery of the school, functionality and service provision, and legal safety requirements.
However, suitability ratings are partly based on assessments carried out by headteachers.