Dumfries and Galloway Council is proposing, subject to the outcome of the statutory consultation process, to discontinue education provision at Carsphairn Primary School and Nursery which is currently mothballed and realign its catchment area to Dalry Primary School and Nursery.

It is proposed that education provision at Carsphairn Primary School and Nursery be discontinued with effect from 27 April 2026.

Reasons for this Proposal

This is considered to be the best option to address the reasons for the proposal which are:

• Carsphairn Community Council have requested that Carsphairn Primary School and Nursery is formally closed in order to facilitate a CAT (community asset transfer).

• Carsphairn Primary School and Nursery has been formally mothballed since August 2019. The number of children living in the catchment area is not predicted to rise in the near future.

• Dumfries and Galloway is currently experiencing a significant and sustained fall in pupil numbers with the National Records of Scotland predicting a further 18% fall in the 0-15 age group over the next 10 years.

• Along with several other rural councils, Dumfries and Galloway Council is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff.

• Whilst the school is mothballed, the building is deteriorating with limited budgets for repairs, maintenance and capital investment.