The Future of Bothkennar Primary School

Update 20/02/2026

Further to the preliminary engagement carried out with the local community in 2025, Falkirk Council Education Services is now commencing a formal statutory consultation on a proposal to permanently close Bothkennar Primary School. On the 19th February 2026, the Executive (including Education) agreed to consult on a proposal for the permanent closure of Bothkennar Primary School and the permanent rezoning of its catchment area to Beancross Primary School.

Why are we consulting now?

· Bothkennar Primary has been mothballed for almost 7 years, with no pupils in attendance since August 2019.

· pupil demand remains low in the catchment area and this is not expected to change.

· With primary rolls falling across the Council area, re-opening the school would be impractical

. The Local Development Plan does not identify any sites for housing development within the catchment area that would impact on catchment demand for places

Before any final decision can be taken on a permanent school closure proposal a formal consultation is required in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

The purpose of this formal consultation is to gather the views of those who would be immediately affected by the closure of the school and report back to the Executive before a decision can be made.

The survey will be live from Monday 23 February 2026

For any enquiries relating to this consultation please contact: educ.consultation@falkirk.gov.uk