Moray Learning Estate Review report to committee
Following recent media reports we'd like to clarify the contents of the report going to the Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee on Tuesday 1 September.
Firstly, there are no proposals for individual schools or Associated School Groups (ASGs) and no decisions have been made about the future of any schools in Moray, therefore no schools are currently "at risk".
The discussions referenced in the report to committee reflect themes previously shared with committee in November 2025, which noted they would be considered further, and reflect ideas and scenarios raised through the public engagement throughout 2023-2025, not specific proposals.
The paper going to committee next Tuesday is about agreeing a framework for how we plan and prioritise future investment in Moray’s school estate over the next ten years. It does not propose options and is not seeking approval for changes to any individual school or ASG.
The engagement findings show a range of views and suggestions raised by stakeholders across different ASGs. These have been recorded as part of the evidence-gathering process and do not represent an agreed programme of change. This feedback is being shared in the interests of transparency and to report the range of views gathered during the initial phase of engagement.
If the framework is agreed on Tuesday, the next step is to develop further background information, including details on school capacity, building condition, additional support needs, costs and environmental performance. This will provide a clearer and more consistent evidence base for considering where investment may be needed across the learning estate in future.
Educational benefit will be at the centre of any future proposals, alongside factors such as travel and accessibility, building condition, affordability and the impact on local communities. We recognise the important role schools play within their communities, particularly in rural areas, and these wider considerations will form an important part of any further assessment.
We recognise our learning estate needs improvements and upgrades to provide the best possible environment for young people and our communities to learn and grow. We're working hard, through engaging with communities, to prepare a strong evidence base to ensure that future decisions are made with educational benefits and the interests of children, young people and communities at the core.
Any proposals will be fully evidenced and consulted on before further reports are submitted to councillors over the next 12 months, setting out options for additional consultation to inform decision-making.