Merger fears as schools packed or nearly empty

DOZENS of primaries across the north-east are bursting at the seams – while other schools are running virtually empty.

Nearly 30% of Aberdeenshire’s 151 primary schools are running under capacity with some educating just a handful of children while one, Ardallie, has no pupils on its roll. Meanwhile, 16% of primaries have serious overcrowding problems with more than one running at double capacity.

The figures have been released as part of Aberdeenshire Council’s ongoing review of the schools estate, just days after it emerged Aberdeen City Council is considering merging two schools due to falling rolls. Politicians fear schools in Aberdeenshire may have to merge – but urged the council not to make any rash decisions.

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