Rural school could close forever after dropping to just six pupils

Clatt School near Huntly could be just weeks away from being closed to pupils forever.

Plans to close the rural school were initially unveiled and approved in August after it had been empty for two years.

The facility was originally built in the 19th Century and was later renovated in 1985.

An extension was added to the building in 1995, enabling the school to have capacity for 50 pupils.

However, Clatt struggled to retain pupils over the years.

Its school roll dropped from 18 children in 2016 to eight in 2020, falling again to just six youngsters two years later.

Education bosses then made the decision to mothball the school from August 2022.

As there was no demand for youngsters to attend Clatt, it was determined that the building should be closed.

However, a public consultation on the closure had to be carried out before that could happen.

It ran from September to November last year and included a public meeting as well as an online survey.

Feedback from this process recently went before the Marr area committee.

Education officer Maxine Booth told members that the final recommendation is to close the school and permanently reassign its catchment to Rhynie.

Pupils who attend Rhynie School but were ‘out of zone’ for the Clatt catchment will now fully become in-zone as a result if the move is approved.

They will also be entitled to free school transport.

Ms Booth revealed that council officers will work with the Marr community to determine any potential future uses for the building.

Councillor Jeff Goodhall admitted he was “unhappy” that the school had to close but he hopes the final outcome will be welcome news for everyone.

“It’s good that we are going to residents and asking them what they would like to do with the school,” he said.

“I’ve heard a few comments from the community council that there are some people who would be interested in setting up bits and pieces for it.”

Meanwhile, fellow councillor Gwyneth Petrie noted the closure was a “shame” but a “natural move” due to diminishing pupil numbers.

“There was some concern about the loss of such an old and established school.

“But, what we’ve seen is a decision from families of them wanting to move elsewhere.”

Committee chairwoman Geva Blackett added: “We’re sad to see a rural school close, but in this case, it has been a long process and unfortunately inevitable.”

The Marr members’ comments will go to the education and children’s services committee next month.

However, the fate of Clatt School will lie in the hands of the full council when a final decision is made in April.

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