Foveran and Tipperty Schools closer to merger following committee
The proposed merger of Foveran School and Tipperty School has been recommended for approval by Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee.
Committee members heard that the construction of a new primary school in Foveran was not within the current council budget and, as a result, Committee approved a statutory consultation process last year to explore a merger.
It was proposed that Foveran School and Tipperty School should operate as a single school under a new name, with the merger set to take effect from August 2025.
At Thursday’s meeting (March 20) committee heard that both buildings will remain in use, and educational benefits were highlighted including enriched environments tailored to different age groups, teacher collaboration improving pupil outcomes, and increased opportunities for outdoor learning, social interactions, and extracurricular activities.
The report highlighted that Education Scotland supported the merger, highlighting potential educational benefits and improving accommodation issues at Foveran School.
Following a discussion, which included speakers on behalf of both schools, ECS recommended to the next Full Council meeting on April 24 that it should agree the proposal to merge the schools.
Chair of Education and Children’s Services Committee Cllr David Keating said: “We understand this proposal has sparked different views within the community, and it’s always regrettable when decisions create division.
“However, the report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate provided an impartial assessment, confirming that the merger offers clear educational benefits while also addressing the challenges posed by changing school rolls in both schools.
“This insight, which goes along with our officers’ recommendations, played a key role in shaping our decision.”
Committee also recommended that Full Council allocate additional budget to the newly merged school for weekly opportunities for the pupils to come together as a whole school.