The chief executive of Falkirk Council has apologised for the disruption caused by the sudden closure of Maddiston Primary School and thanked staff for their efforts to relocated nearly 500 pupils to other schools so quickly.
Maddiston Primary School, which is 17 years old, was closed abruptly after a structural assessment was prompted by storm damage to the roof.
The school will remain closed until at least August 2025.
Read more: Vital Falkirk food pantry under threat as council set to close its home
Chief Executive Kenneth Lawrie insisted there were “no concerns” regarding other schools, but added that “intrusive surveys of all other schools which are of similar construction” were to be carried out “as a precaution”.
Speaking before a meeting of Falkirk Council’s audit committee today (Tuesday), Mr Lawrie told members that the council had “no alternative” but to relocate pupils for their safety.
He added that he had asked for an external investigation “so we can all fully understand the issues” and has also ordered investigations of schools that are of a similar age “as a precaution”.
He said: “Firstly, on behalf of Falkirk Council, I’d like to apologise for the disruption caused to pupils, families and employees following the temporary closure of Maddiston Primary School.
“This significant decision was taken after thorough structural assessments of the building following initial assessments of the stone work damage caused by Storm Eowyn.
“These identified a number of issues which could not be mitigated against.
“Pupils’ safety is our number one priority in the education service so there was no alternative to the council but to relocated pupils and staff to other neighbouring schools.
“Given Maddiston Primary School is only 17 years old I have asked for a detailed, independent external investigation to be undertaken, so we can all fully understand the facts behind the issues encountered at the school.
“Until this has concluded, it will not be possible to provide further details but I can assure elected members and parents that the findings of this report will be shared as soon as we have them.
“The works to Maddiston are likely to take many months to complete and we will keep parents and pupils updated throughout.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank council staff for working exceptionally hard over the last few days, over the weekend, to ensure that provision was in place to relocate nearly 500 pupils to alternative schools in the local area.
“I would also like to thank parents and guardians for their understanding during what has been an emotional and disruptive period for them .
“Whilst we have no concerns relating to other schools, as a precaution, officers are commissioning intrusive surveys of all other schools which are of similar construction and were built in the same period, to ensure that they do not have similar issues.
“We will keep elected members and parents updated on this in the coming months.”
Ahead of the pupils’ first day in the various schools, Maddiston Primary School Parents Association thanked the staff involved in the move for the “incredible effort” getting classes ready for Monday morning.
Primaries 1, 2 and 3, including composite P3/4, are now going to to Wallacestone Primary School; Primaries 4,5 and 6 are being hosted by Bantaskin Primary School; Primary 7 pupils are going to Braes High School; and the Timezone and P1BM are at Carrongrange High School and Moray Primary School (four classes).
For more Falkirk stories, sign up to our newsletter here.