Forres Academy relocation recommendation to progress
Moray Council’s Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee has today (Wednesday 11 February) agreed to recommend to the full council the proposed relocation of Forres Academy to a new, purpose-built school near its current site.
Councillors will be asked to consider the recommendation at full council on 25 February 2026, where a final decision will be made.
The recommendation follows a statutory consultation held between 18 September and 13 November 2025, which asked for views on discontinuing education at the existing Burdsyard Road building from October 2028 and moving the school to Orchard Road.
Feedback was gathered through an online survey, written submissions, and public meetings, with pupils from eight feeder primary schools also taking part.
Education Scotland carried out an independent assessment focusing on the educational aspects of the proposal and identified clear educational benefits for young people.
Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Any proposal to change the future of a school is taken very seriously and only considered after a full statutory consultation. Forres Academy is an important part of the local community, and the views shared by pupils, parents, staff and residents have all been carefully considered.
“The consultation feedback, along with Education Scotland’s independent assessment, highlighted clear educational benefits in relocating to a new, purpose-built school. Based on this, the committee has agreed to recommend the proposal to the full council for a final decision.
“If approved, a new school would offer modern, accessible and sustainable facilities designed to support high-quality learning now and in the future.”
The consultation report is available on the council website here.