The Future of Bothkennar Primary School

Update 23/03/2026

Following publication of the Proposal Paper on Monday 23 February 2026, the Council was notified by a consultee of a minor typographical error in the document relating to the proposal for the permanent closure of Bothkennar Primary School and the permanent zoning of its catchment area to Beancross Primary School.

The error appears in Section 12: Financial Implications, paragraph 6, where Slamannan Primary School was incorrectly referenced in relation to additional transport costs. This should have referred to Beancross Primary School, reflecting the current temporary catchment arrangements. The corrected text is:

“Beancross Primary School is detailed as the receiving school, due to the current temporary catchment arrangements. Additional transport costs to Beancross Primary School are £5,200 per annum based on the current pupils in attendance, assuming the proposal was implemented.”

This correction ensures accurate information is available to consultees and does not alter the substance of the proposal, its rationale, or the educational benefits described.

In accordance with section 5(5)(b)(ii) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, the Council has reviewed whether the consultation period should be extended as a result of this correction. The consultation period remains as previously advised, running from Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 24 April 2026.

The revised Proposal Paper is available on the Falkirk Council website, Participate+, Falkirk Council Libraries and Hubs, Beancross Primary School and the Falkirk Community Stadium. A copy may also be requested from Education Services.

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.

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