Proposed Merger of Foveran and Tipperty Schools

A consultation has been launched on the proposed merger of Foveran and Tipperty Schools. 

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee agreed to launch the consultation at their meeting on Thursday (October 10). 

Under the proposed plan, Foveran and Tipperty Schools would merge to form a single school with a new identity by August 2025. Both school buildings would remain in use, with the lower stages located at the Foveran site and upper stages at Tipperty.  

Foveran School currently operates with 52 pupils and is projected to grow to 64 by August next year – above its official limit of 47. This has led to the use of the only general-purpose space which is also the dining area being used as a classroom. 

The proposed merger would address this, returning Foveran to a more appropriate capacity, freeing up much-needed space for curriculum delivery and daily school activities. 

Conversely, Tipperty School, which has a capacity of 50, has seen its roll drop to just 10 pupils in 2024, with further declines predicted. This low roll puts the long-term viability of the school at risk 

ECS Committee Chair Cllr David Keating said: “As a council, we are committed to ensuring our pupils receive the highest quality education possible given the constraints we operate under. 

“As part of that commitment, this innovative proposal, developed in consultation with the community, aims to create a more sustainable learning environment that benefits both communities while using the existing buildings. 

“The proposed merger is not only designed to address current capacity issues, but to ensure the long-term sustainability of both schools.” 

Following today’s decision, a public consultation on the merger will take place between October 14 and December 13.  

A public meeting will be held on December 5 at 6.30pm at Foveran Village Hall, Blairythan Terrace, Foveran, AB41 6AX, where all stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their views.  

Following the consultation, Education Scotland will review the proposal and compile a report based on public feedback, which will then be assessed by council officers. 

The council will review all submissions before presenting a final recommendation to committee in spring next year. 

An online survey about the Foveran and Tipperty School merger will be available as part of the consultation.

To find out more about the proposal, view the merger of Foveran School and Tipperty School documents.