Primary Provision within the Stonehaven Cluster

Primary Provision within the Stonehaven Cluster

As part of the Learning Estates remit within Education and Children’s Services, Officers are seeking your views on the primary school estate within the Stonehaven Cluster which will help shape the future of education provision.  

The primary school estate consists of 145 primary schools across 17 clusters.  Data from the 2026 Interim School Roll Forecasts show that there are currently 34 primary schools across the estate which are operating below 50% capacity.  

Within the Stonehaven Cluster there are 10 primary schools; Arduthie, Bervie, Catterline, Dunnottar, Glenberive, Gourdon, Johnshaven, Lairhillock and Mill O'Forest Schools. Kinneff School is currently temporarily closed.

Currently Catterline School and Glenbervie School are operating below 50% capacity.  However, due to the decline in pupil numbers by 2030, it is forecast that Bervie, Catterline, Dunnottar, Glenbervie, Gourdon, Johnshaven and Mill O'Forest School will all be operating below 50% capacity.

Our vision is to have a best value estate with financially sustainable provision, ensuring a more viable estate particularly in rural areas.  Aberdeenshire Council also recognises the importance and value of rural schools.  

The survey will be open until 31 October 2026.