Draft May 26 Options Appraisal Furnace (1)
Argyll and Bute Council · 4 June 2026
Back to Community Services Committee — 4 June 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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EDUCATION OPTIONS APPRAISAL FURNACE PRIMARY SCHOOL JUNE 2026 Appendix A
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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Furnace Primary School has been subject to a shared Headship arrangement with Inveraray Primary School since August 2022. The decision on a Shared Headship was informed by strong parental support for this approach following engagement which took place in March 2022, facilitated by the Education Service. 1.2 A Principal Teacher was recruited for Furnace Primary School to support the Shared Headship model from August 2022. In June 2023, the Service was unable to recruit a temporary Principal Teacher at Furnace Primary School when the Principal Teacher commenced Maternity Leave. Due to challenges with staffing cover at Furnace Primary School, pupils attended Inveraray Primary School, as part of an agreement with parents to ensure consistency of educational provision. Following further engagement with parents in the summer of 2023, the decision was made for the pupils at Furnace Primary School to temporarily attend Inveraray Primary School until such time that the Principal Teacher returned from Maternity Leave, and the arrangement could be reviewed. In April 2024, further engagement took place with parents. At this point, the school had three pupils enrolled from the Furnace catchment area, one of whom was progressing to Lochgilphead Joint Campus at the end of that school session. One parent of the remaining pupils expressed their desire that the Education Service proceed with recruiting a 0.4PT to allow their child to return to Furnace Primary School. The other parent felt strongly that a return to Furnace Primary School was not in the best interests of their child and was clear that their child had expressed their desire to remain at Inveraray Primary School. 1.3 In June 2024, further engagement included a new family who had only just moved into the catchment area. Initially, engagement indicated that the parents had no preference. However, after taking time to review all of the information available to them, the parents of this new family indicated their preference for their four children (one of whom was about to progress to Lochgilphead High School in August 2024) to attend Inveraray Primary School. Following the indication that a placing request would be made to that effect, all parents in the catchment area were again contacted. The one parent who wanted their child to return to Furnace updated the Education Service that they were now in the process of moving away from the area. The remainder of the parents (two families) believed that it was in the best interest of their children to attend Inveraray Primary School. Accordingly, there are currently no children attending Furnace Primary School. 1.4 Additionally, with effect from 31st May 2024, Minard Primary School was formally closed. As part of that decision, the catchment area of Furnace Primary School was extended to include the former Minard Primary School catchment area. To date, this has not yet had, and is currently not projected to have, any material impact on the projected School roll for Furnace Primary School. Officers will continue to monitor the projected School roll on an ongoing basis. 1.5 At the Community Services Committee on 12th December 2024, Argyll and Bute Council approved the temporary closure (previously known as
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‘mothballing’1) of Furnace Primary School on a temporary basis. It was agreed that the premises be retained for one year on a care and maintenance basis and that a review of the school’s temporary closure would be prepared for the Committee’s December 2025 meeting, when Members could decide on a continued period of temporary closure, or request that officers begin an engagement process, carried out in accordance with the preliminary requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, to consider the future options for Furnace Primary School. It was also agreed that the community would have pre-arranged access to the school premises for community functions during the period of temporary closure. Agenda for Community Services Committee on Thursday, 12 December 2024, 10:30 am - Argyll and Bute Council 1.6 On 11th December 2025, Community Services Committee approved the continued temporary closure of Furnace Primary School and that the Education Service begin gathering necessary information and carry out the exercise of assessing the options for the future of Furnace Primary School, in accordance with the preliminary requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. Agenda for Community Services Committee on Thursday, 11 December 2025, 10:30 am - Argyll and Bute Council The statutory process for the closure of a rural school is laid out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The Act, as amended, contains a presumption against closure of a rural school and details specific requirements which the education authority is required to follow if they are formulating a proposal to close a rural school. This includes the introduction of an exercise to consider the preliminary requirements as set out in the 2010 Act. In addition, the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 sets out a right for community organisations to request the transfer of local assets into local community ownership/management. Public bodies, including councils, must consider such requests and respond to them within a reasonable timescale. Furnace Primary School has had no further pupils enrolled since elected members approved the temporary closure. At the aforementioned committee meeting on 11th December 2025, the Community Services Committee agreed that the Education Service would undertake the preliminary requirements as set out in the 2010 Act, and prepare 1 Revised guidance provided by Scottish Government on the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) 2010 Act included this change in terminology from ‘mothballing’ to ‘temporary closure’. Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010: guidance - gov.scot
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an Options Appraisal for Furnace Primary School, to enable the Education Service to identify and consider the options for the school’s future. The 2010 Act makes special arrangements with regard to rural schools that are, in effect, a presumption against their closure. There is a requirement to examine specifically factors particularly relevant to rural schools prior to formulating a proposal to close a rural school. In particular, it is necessary to consider the underlying reasons for the possible closure proposal, and any reasonable alternatives to closure. It is also necessary to consider the impact on the wider community of a potential closure, the impact of any different travel arrangements, and the educational benefits or otherwise for pupils should a rural school be closed. These factors have been considered in this Options Appraisal. 2.0 REASONS FOR THE PROPOSAL 2.1 An authority that is contemplating formulating a rural school closure proposal must satisfy the preliminary requirements set out in Section 12A of the 2010 Act before starting to prepare its Proposal Paper. In particular, it must identify the underlying reasons why the future of the school is being considered, which, in the case of Furnace Primary School, are as follows: 1. Furnace Primary School has been subject to temporary closure for eighteen months. The school roll is currently zero and is not predicted to rise in the near future. 2. Along with several other rural councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time of writing, there were 35.4 full-time equivalent (fte) vacancies across Head Teacher posts, promoted posts and teacher posts. 3. While the school is temporarily closed, the building is deteriorating with limited budgets for maintenance. The costs of continued temporary closure, and of bringing the fabric of the school to the required standard for any reopening, are also considerable. The Council is therefore considering the future of Furnace Primary School. The various options are explored within this paper. 3.0 BACKGROUND Argyll and Bute is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a strong cultural identity. Today, the culture of Argyll and Bute is reflected in its traditional industries of fishing, farming and crofting, sports such as shinty and in its world class musicians and artists as well as its modern commercial industries such as wind turbine production and fish farming.
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Argyll and Bute is geographically the second largest authority in Scotland. Education is delivered in a range of settings including schools, Further Education, through partnerships and via youth services. 3.1 Argyll and Bute Corporate Plan The Argyll and Bute Corporate Plan identifies Argyll and Bute as an area of Scotland with outstanding places, people and potential for a prosperous future for everyone. Our Council, along with our Community Planning Partners, is committed to ensuring that Argyll and Bute’s economic success is built on a growing population. This strategic approach embraces the vision for our area, our communities and our people as outlined in the Corporate Plan. Our key service priorities support the delivery of our commitments in the plan, with focus on local outcomes that will achieve meaningful improvements for the area, our local communities and our citizens. Councils have a statutory responsibility in terms of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 to achieve best value. Our Corporate Asset Management Plan provides a review of the property assets used to deliver services. It incorporates the School Estate Management Plan which reflects the local implementation of Building Better Schools: Investing in Scotland’s Future, the national school estate strategy developed by the Scottish Government in conjunction with local authorities. The aspirations, guiding principles and objectives contained within Building Better Schools are reflected throughout the Education and Children’s Services Asset Management Plan (SAMP) for schools and public buildings, both in the management of the existing assets and in the design and construction of new developments. Corporate Plan 3.2 Our Children Their Future – Thriving Together Education Authorities, have a statutory duty in terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to make adequate and efficient provision of school education across their entire area for the current school population and future pattern of demand. This is reflected in our Education Vision and Strategy - Our Children, Their Future-Thriving Together Our Children, Their Future Thriving Together 3.3 Furnace and the Local Area - the Furnace Primary School Setting The immediate village of Furnace is a small, coastal village of approximately 250 people, located 7 miles south of Inveraray on the A83 and on the shores of
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Loch Fyne. Historically rooted in 18th-century industry (iron smelting, gunpowder, and quarrying), the area today is characterised by a strong sense of community and has a number of local amenities including a shop and take- away, village hall and a post office. 3.4 The School within the Community Furnace Primary School was previously active within the community, as a focus for social and educational events. The pupils invited the community to attend events on several occasions every year. During the period of temporary closure, there have been school lets requested by; a local parent and toddler group, Social Work (in relation to fostering and family placements) and a play therapist. Currently, there are no groups or individuals with active school lets. Some members of the local community in Furnace, through engagement conducted by the Education Service in order to inform this Options Appraisal, have expressed interest in exploring options for a transfer of the school building from the Council to the local community, under the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. The ideas expressed centre around the repurposing and use of the school building as a resource for elderly residents. 3.5 Population Argyll and Bute has an average population density of just 0.13 persons per hectare. This, coupled with the changing demographic profile of the area, presents one of our greatest challenges. Accurate 2011 census data for the specific Furnace Primary School catchment area is not available. More up-to- date data is detailed in Table 1 below, which contains details from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) Small Area Population Estimates for the Mid Argyll 2 data zone which includes the Furnace catchment area. It shows the changing population from 2011 to 2022 for the whole data zone population and for age groups 0-11, 12-67 and over 67. Table 1: Population Information The NRS data zone area and the catchment area of Furnace Primary School do not match exactly therefore it is important to keep this in mind when reviewing the information in Table 1. This captures data from a wider area (as seen in Figure 1). Furnace Area (Mid Argyll 2 data zone) NRS Population Estimates 2011 2022 Total Resident Population 777 Total Resident Population 726 Population under age of 12 98 Population under age of 12 49 Population aged 12-67 528 Population aged 12-67 493 Population aged over 67 151 Population aged over 67 184
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It can be seen that the population as a whole in the data zone has decreased, and that the only subset seeing an increase is the 67 plus age-group. The number of children under the age of 12 has fallen significantly in the last 11 years. The map in Figure 1 below shows the extent of the Mid Argyll 2 data zone. Figure 1 3.6 Development and House Building A new Local Development Plan (LDP2) is now available, which sets out planning and development proposals for the next 10 years from 2020, and a vision for 20 years. The Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan provides the local planning framework for the Council area, excluding the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area. The Plan is divided into written statements and proposals maps. The written statement provides the general policy context against which planning applications for new development proposals should be assessed. This is supported by the proposals maps which show the range of development opportunities and constraints within the area, for example: • the key development areas i.e. the allocations for housing, industry and business, community facilities and infrastructure; • the potential areas for future development (Potential Development Areas); • areas requiring actions such as environmental improvement or regeneration (Areas for Action); and • environmental designations such as National Scenic Areas, Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas and Local Nature Conservation Sites. • Appendix 1 shows the LDP2 for Furnace • Appendix 2 shows the LDP2 for Inveraray • Appendix 3 provides the key for Local Development Plans.
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3.7 Furnace Primary School Furnace PS occupies a central position in the village of Furnace and was built in 1876. The school is a combination of Victorian building with modern fittings. The school is co-educational and non-denominational. It has a catchment area extending from south of Minard to just north of Furnace. The school comprises of two classrooms and two offices. There is a multi-purpose hall where there is an adjoining school kitchen from which lunches were served. The school grounds to the rear of the school are of a good size and include hard surface and grassed areas. The outside area lends itself well to outdoor learning and lessons. Space to the front of the school allowed for welcoming displays and planting. Appendix 4 shows the Furnace Primary School Floor Plan. Furnace Primary School is 7.6 miles from Inveraray Primary School, along the A83, beside which Furnace Primary School is located. The Scottish Government’s Rural School List 2021 classifies Furnace PS as ‘very remote rural’. This is defined as an area with a population of less than 3,000 people, and with a drive time of over 60 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more. Furnace Primary is one of 8 primary schools associated with Lochgilphead High School. Rural schools in Scotland - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) 3.8 Inveraray Primary School Prior to and following the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School, children from the Furnace Primary School catchment area have attended Inveraray Primary School. Inveraray Primary School is a non-denominational and co-educational school situated in the centre of the Royal Burgh of Inveraray. The present school building opened in 1964. The school accommodation consists of four classes and a self-contained nursery. There is a large gymnasium, which also acts as an assembly hall. The school also has a separate lunch hall where lunches are prepared. Connected to the school is the Inveraray Conference Centre which houses a number of meeting rooms and offices. Appendix 5 shows the Inveraray Primary School Floor Plan. The school has strong and active traditions in outdoor learning, the creative arts and sport and physical activity. The school enjoys the support of an active Parent Council and strong community partners. Like Furnace Primary School, Inveraray Primary School is classified as very remote rural by the Scottish Government. The Map in Figure 2 below shows the adjoining catchment areas of Furnace and Inveraray Primary Schools:
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Figure 2 3.9 Pupil Numbers Pupil projections, and data for 2025-26 are based on the 2025 pupil census, a return prepared annually for the Scottish Government. Past pupil numbers are historic data taken from past pupil censuses. Table 2 shows the historic and current pupil numbers for both Furnace and Inveraray Primary schools: Table 2 Furnace PS Inveraray PS Capacity 50 91 Roll Roll 2010 21 65 2011 21 68 2012 18 63 2013 12 65 2014 10 69 2015 7 65 2016 7 60 2017 6 57 2018 13 64 2019 10 65 2020 12 69 2021 9 62 2022 2 66
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2023 3 59 2024 4 64 2025 0 63 * Data in Table 2 is school roll taken on the school census date in September of that year. Table 2 above shows that the Furnace Primary School roll was officially zero upon temporary closure of the school in December 2024 which is reflected in the data taken at census in September 2025. The school roll had dropped to zero over the course of the 2023-2024 school year due to parental choice to send their children to a primary school other than their catchment area school. In August 2025 there were no Primary 1 pupils registered to attend Furnace Primary School for session 2025-26, and there have been no registrations for session 2026-27. Table 3 below shows the projected rolls for Furnace Primary School and Inveraray Primary School as held by Argyll and Bute Council. While the projections may appear to indicate stable future school roll at Furnace, the projections are based on the number of primary-aged children resident in the Furnace Primary School catchment area, including those who already attend other schools through parental placing requests. The projections also include estimated future births within the catchment area, using NHS forecasts. As a result, the projected roll does not directly reflect the number of pupils currently attending Furnace Primary School or likely to do so in future. Table 3 Furnace PS Inveraray PS Capacity 50 91 Estimated roll2 Estimated roll 2026 -2027 10 66 2027 -2028 8 68 2028-2029 6 72 2029-2030 7 70 The estimated school roll (as set out in Table 3, above) includes all pupils residing or anticipated to reside within the catchment area and does not reflect the actual number of pupils who would be attending the school. This is in part due to a pattern of parental placing requests where a number of parents have exercised their right to send their children to primary schools other than their catchment area school as illustrated in Table 4. Table 4 Number of placing requests 2 School roll estimates include pupils attending schools other than their catchment area school.
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2017-18 4 2018-19 2 2019-20 2 2020-21 2 2021-22 2 2022-23 5 2023-24 1 2024-25 2 4.0 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4.1 Engagement Opportunities To gather community views an online Community Engagement Survey was circulated and a Community Engagement drop-in event was held. To gauge the views of staff on the future of Furnace Primary School, engagements took place with staff at Inveraray Primary School, being the assigned receiving school whilst Furnace Primary School has been subject to temporary closure. In the Parent Council’s role as a support and representative body for the school, contact was made with the Chair of the Parent Council of Inveraray PS, to request the view of the Parent Council on the future options for Furnace Primary School. Engagement also took place with children living in the Furnace catchment area who previously attended Furnace Primary School and now attend Inveraray Primary School as well as those who now attend Lochgilphead High School. The purpose of this was to gather pupils’ views on the future options for Furnace Primary School, and, where applicable, on their educational provision before and after leaving Furnace Primary School. Feedback received from stakeholder groups is detailed at 4.2 below. 4.2 Engagement Feedback There was a range of viewpoints on the future of Furnace Primary School: • Community Engagement Drop-in Event The Community Engagement drop-in event was held in Furnace Primary School on Thursday 26th March 2026 from 10am to 6pm. The meeting’s purpose was to seek the views of the community on the future of Furnace Primary School. Details of the drop-in event were circulated to all parents/carers
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at Inveraray Primary School, parents/carers of High School pupils residing in the Furnace Primary School catchment area, local Ward Councillors and local Community Councils. Over the course of the day, the event was attended by twelve adults and two children under the age of three. Attendees at the Community Engagement event were provided with an overview of the information that the Council would be using in this Options Appraisal. This included information on the school roll, background of the school, and the 2010 Act. The questions put to stakeholders were as follows: Over the last 18 months, what has been the effect of the temporary closure Furnace Primary School on you, your family and community? In your view what are the pros/cons of the following options: • Reopen the school • Continue with temporary closure • Close the school The full responses recorded at the engagement event is available at Appendix 6. Summary of Views by Option Option 1 – Reopen Furnace Primary School A number of participants expressed a strong emotional and community-based attachment to the school and supported reopening. Themes included: • The belief that having a local school helps to attract and retain young families, supporting the sustainability of the village. • Perceived benefits of a small school environment, including more individualised support and closer relationships. • Practical advantages for families, such as reducing the need for daily school transport and the loss of wrap-around childcare provision (e.g. breakfast and after-school clubs). • The school being viewed as a community asset, with suggestions that it could support wider community activity even if pupil numbers remained small. • A sense of cultural and historical value attached to the school building. Option 2 – Continue with the Temporary Closure Some participants expressed support for continuing the temporary closure, primarily as a precautionary measure. Key points included: • Concerns about future capacity pressures at Inveraray Primary School, particularly in relation to housing development in Inveraray.
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• A view that retaining the building in a temporarily closed status could provide flexibility should demand for school places increase in the future. • Recognition that current low roll numbers were influenced by parental choice, with families opting to place children in other schools prior to the temporary closure. Option 3 – Close Furnace Primary School Others felt that permanent closure was the most realistic and sustainable option. Points raised included: • Recognition that many families had already made long-standing arrangements to attend schools in Inveraray or Lochgilphead due to work patterns. • Concerns about financial sustainability and value for money given the very small number of pupils. • Views that children benefit socially from attending larger schools, including preparation for transition to secondary education. • Acceptance of school transport as safe, routine and socially beneficial for children. • Wider reflections on demographic change within the village, including an aging population and the impact of holiday homes on community life. While some participants expressed regret and sadness at the prospect of permanent closure, these views were often accompanied by an acknowledgement of practical constraints. Impact of the Temporary Closure Limited comments were made specifically on the impact of the temporary closure. The question was ‘Over the last 18 months, what effect has the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School had on you, your family and/or your community?’ One participant noted the loss of school-led community events that had previously brought people together. Wider Community Ideas and Alternative Uses There was significant discussion about alternative community uses for the school building should it not reopen as a school. Common themes included: • Strong interest in facilities or accommodation to support an aging population, such as sheltered housing, accessible flats, or services for older residents. • Suggestions that the building could be adapted for community wellbeing uses, including social spaces, play or activity rooms, and inter-generational facilities (e.g. café or soft-play style provision). • Housing-related concerns, including the condition and allocation of existing local housing stock and challenges for families accessing suitable homes in the area.
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• Recognition of the area’s limited employment opportunities and transport links, which were seen as constraints on certain types of housing or service provision. Participants also commented positively on the engagement process itself, noting that it felt open, respectful and free from a pre-determined agenda. The engagement highlighted a diverse range of views, reflecting both emotional connections to Furnace Primary School and pragmatic considerations about sustainability, demographics and service delivery. While opinions differed on the preferred option, there was a shared desire for the building to continue to benefit the community in some form and for local needs, particularly those of older residents. • Community Engagement Survey An online community engagement survey was also undertaken to gather views on the future of Furnace Primary School and to inform this Options Appraisal. The survey was open for six weeks from 23rd February 2026 to 6th April 2026. Details of the survey were circulated to all parents/carers at Inveraray Primary School, parents/carers of High School pupils residing in the Furnace Primary School catchment area, local Ward Councillors, local Community Councils and the Inveraray Primary School Parent Council. Responses were received from a range of stakeholders, including parents/carers of children of different ages, local residents within the Furnace and Inveraray catchment areas, and representatives of community and parent groups. This section summarises and analyses the feedback received and identifies the key themes relevant to the options under consideration. Complete responses are attached in Appendix 7. The engagement survey demonstrated a diversity of views, with no single option receiving unanimous support. However, there was a preference expressed by a majority of respondents for either reopening Furnace Primary School or progressing to a permanent decision, rather than maintaining the current mothballed status. While reopening the school attracted the highest level of support overall, this support was frequently conditional, with respondents highlighting a number of requirements that would need to be met to ensure educational quality, sustainability and positive outcomes for children. Option A – Reopening Furnace Primary School A significant proportion of respondents to the survey supported the reopening of Furnace Primary School. The principal reasons cited included: • The importance of the school as a central part of the Furnace community • The role of a local school in attracting and retaining young families • Accessibility for families without private transport
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• Perceived benefits of smaller school environments, including closer relationships and individualised support Respondents in favour of reopening frequently emphasised that the absence of a local primary school could be having a negative impact on community sustainability and future population growth. However, support for reopening was rarely unconditional. Respondents consistently identified a number of critical success factors, including: • Achieving a sustainable pupil roll sufficient to support appropriate peer interaction and social development • Provision of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) to create a clear progression pathway into primary education • Access to wraparound care and extracurricular activities, such as after-school clubs and sports • Stability around staffing and leadership, including the presence of a dedicated Head Teacher • The need for the building and facilities to be brought up to an appropriate operational standard These factors indicate that, while there is community appetite for reopening, there is also an awareness of the educational, financial and operational challenges associated with small rural schools. Option B- Continue the Temporary Closure of Furnace Primary School There was very limited support for the continuation of the temporary closure arrangement. Respondents who commented on this option generally viewed it as an unsatisfactory interim position, expressing concerns that: • It does not provide long-term certainty for families or the community • The school building may deteriorate while remaining unused • The arrangement offers limited benefit to either Furnace or Inveraray communities Overall, the feedback suggests that the continued temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is perceived as delaying an inevitable decision rather than providing a sustainable solution. Option C – Close Furnace Primary School A smaller but consistent group of respondents supported the permanent closure of Furnace Primary School and realignment of the catchment area to Inveraray Primary School. The key reasons cited in support of this option included: • The educational and social benefits of larger peer groups • Access to broader facilities and resources at Inveraray Primary School
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• Greater financial efficiency in the context of constrained education budgets • The view that Inveraray Primary provides a more viable long-term educational environment Some respondents also suggested that, should the school not reopen, the Furnace Primary building could be repurposed for alternative community or housing uses, including affordable or elderly accommodation, to ensure continued community benefit. In summary, the community engagement survey indicates: • Strong community interest in the future of Furnace Primary School • Majority support for reopening the school, but largely conditional on viability and service enhancements • Limited support for continued temporary closure • A clear, reasoned case from some respondents for closure and catchment realignment based on educational and financial considerations Several common themes emerged across responses, regardless of preferred option: • Social development and peer interaction were consistently highlighted as being as important as academic provision • There was a link made between school provision and rural sustainability • Respondents demonstrated an awareness of financial constraints and the need for realism regarding viability • Transport and accessibility were important considerations, particularly for families without private vehicles These themes reflect a broadly informed and considered community response, with respondents recognising the trade-offs inherent in each option. • Children/young people As part of the preliminary engagement on the future of Furnace Primary School, the views of children who previously attended the school were sought. Pupils said: • If the school was open the kids in the village wouldn’t have to ` travel. • It’s good to go to a bigger school so it’s not such a big change going to the High School. • It depends on how many pupils because with only a few they wouldn’t have a lot of friends. • The school should reopen so that future families that move into the area have the option to send their children to a village school. • Furnace was a nice quiet space with fewer children and this helped me focus on my learning. • We got outside a lot more and went on walks to the beach. • Our learning was more about what we were interested in.
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• Inveraray is a great experience, it’s busier and I’ve been able to make more friends. • If there were enough pupils it would be good for it to be open. • It’s good going to a small school because there is more one-to- one support. • At a small school everyone is friends with everyone else. • There weren’t a lot of kids at Furnace Primary so it was a big shock going to High School. • Staff Staff who had previously worked at Furnace Primary School said: • It makes sense to continue with the temporary closure of Furnace Primary. • It should be left to the Furnace community to decide whether that can keep their traditional school open so that future parents could have the choice. • It could be hard getting children to enrol at a temporarily closed primary school, particularly when they have to travel for ELC and will have made friendships already. • Because Furnace Primary was previously linked with Minard Primary, if it were to close, then two rural communities will have lost their small community primary schools - and that I wouldn't like to take away that choice for new/younger families. There is currently an Acting Head Teacher in post at Inveraray Primary School, who indicated that the enrolment of pupils from the Furnace Primary School catchment area posed no apparent issues in terms of capacity for the school or provision to all learners. 5.0 THE PROPOSAL AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSAL AS CONSIDERED AT THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENT AND THROUGH THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY 5.1 To summarise information provided above, Furnace Primary School has been subject to a shared Headship arrangement with Inveraray Primary School since August 2022. Pupils from Furnace Primary School have attended Inveraray Primary School since June 2023 as a result of the Service being unable to recruit staffing to cover a maternity leave. In May 2024 the catchment area of Furnace Primary School was extended to include the catchment area of the former Minard Primary School. The school roll dropped to zero in June 2024 when parents with children registered at Furnace Primary school chose to enrol their children at Inveraray Primary School. Therefore, Furnace Primary School has been temporarily closed for 18 months. While the building is mothballed it continues to deteriorate. The Community has been proactive in making positive suggestions as to how the building could be used in the future.
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Along with several other rural councils, Argyll and Bute is facing increasing challenges in recruiting staff. At the time or writing there were 35.4 full-time equivalent vacancies for Head Teachers, promoted posts and teachers. Recruitment in the Mid-Argyll area is challenging due to the rural location of almost all of its schools. Of those who attended the Community Engagement Event on 26th March 2026, the majority were in favour of closing Furnace Primary School permanently, including almost all parents/carers with children in primary education at present. A minority of attendees wished to see the school reopen, primarily on the grounds that the community is negatively impacted by the absence of a primary school, although a small number said they wished their pre-school-aged children to attend a reopened Furnace Primary School. Of those who responded to the Community Engagement Survey, the majority were in favour of reopening Furnace Primary School permanently. The Council is required to consider the future of Furnace Primary School, taking all relevant factors and views into account. The following options are explored within this paper: a) Reopen Furnace Primary School; b) Continue the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School with the pupils zoned to Inveraray Primary School; c) Close Furnace Primary School and realign the catchment area for Inveraray Primary School to include the Furnace Primary School catchment area. 6.0 OPTION A: REOPEN FURNACE PRIMARY SCHOOL 6.1 Overview of Community Views on Reopening Furnace Primary School • Feedback from both the community engagement drop-in event and the online community survey indicates support for reopening Furnace Primary School, although views were mixed and often conditional. • Support for reopening was most commonly linked to the view that a local primary school plays an important role in supporting the sustainability of the Furnace community, particularly in attracting and retaining young families. • Participants and respondents highlighted perceived benefits of a small rural school environment, including closer relationships, more individualised support for pupils and a strong sense of community identity. • Practical considerations in favour of reopening included: o Improved accessibility for families without private transport o Reduced reliance on daily school transport o Establishment of local wraparound childcare provision, such as breakfast and after-school clubs. • There was recognition across both engagement routes that the temporary closure has reduced opportunities for school-led community events, which had previously brought residents together.
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• However, support for reopening was rarely unconditional. Many participants and respondents acknowledged the challenges associated with operating a very small school. • Common conditions identified as necessary for reopening included: o Achieving a sustainable pupil roll to support appropriate peer interaction and social development o Provision of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) to support continuity and future enrolment o Access to wraparound care and extracurricular activities o Stability in staffing and leadership, including a dedicated Head Teacher o Assurance that the school building and facilities meet required operational standards. • Overall, the engagement demonstrated that while there is community appetite for reopening Furnace Primary School, this is balanced by an awareness of financial, demographic and educational viability considerations. 6.2 Pupil Numbers Table 3 above details the projected roll for Furnace Primary School. If the school were to reopen in August 2026, there would be no pupils on the roll, as there are no children of primary one age in the catchment enrolled for session 2026-2027. The projected number of primary pupils estimated to reside within the Furnace Primary School catchment area over the next three years is shown below. These projections are contingent upon the school reopening and parents choosing to enrol their children at Furnace Primary School. It is important to note that parents have a statutory right to make a placing request for their child to attend a school of their choice, and therefore actual enrolment numbers may differ from these projections. August 2026 – 10 pupils August 2027 – 8 pupils August 2028 – 6 pupils Were the school to reopen, a sustainable future for Furnace Primary School may not be achievable unless a significant number of parents within the catchment area chose to reverse their decision to keep their children at Inveraray Primary School. As attendance at Inveraray Primary School has become the established norm within the area, supported by positive feedback on the educational provision there, it cannot be assumed that children reaching primary school age would enrol at Furnace Primary School. The school roll projections should therefore not be regarded as a sole indicator of future viability, and actual pupil numbers may remain significantly lower than projected, placing the long-term sustainability of the school further in doubt. 6.3 Financial Information The annual costs to reopen the school, including costs relating to employees, premises, supplies and services and catering is £227,224.
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In addition, the cost to bring the property to an acceptable standard to reopen the school is £10,100. The annual cost of the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is £6,700. This does not include costs associated with the temporary transfer of a member of staff to Inveraray Primary School during the period of temporary closure and ongoing decision-making. During this time, a 0.6 FTE Principal Teacher post was transferred to Inveraray Primary School as an additional staffing complement to support operational continuity. This arrangement resulted in additional staffing for Inveraray Primary School and over-staffing costs for the authority, which were incurred as a direct consequence of managing staffing arrangements while decisions regarding the future of Furnace Primary School are being considered. The annual cost of transporting pupils to Inveraray Primary School during the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is approximately £12,500. Were the school to reopen, this cost would no longer apply, although the previous costs of transporting pupils from other areas of the catchment would be re- incurred. 6.4 Assessment of Rural Factors Section 12A(2) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 requires the education authority to identify its reasons for the closure proposal of a rural school, and consider whether there are any reasonable alternatives to the proposal which could respond to those reasons. For the proposal and any alternatives identified, the education authority is required to assess the likely educational benefits, the likely effect on the local community and the likely effect of different travelling arrangements. The reasons why the future of Furnace Primary School is being considered are as stated at Section 2 of this Report. 6.4.1 Community Impact The reopening of the school would most likely increase opportunities for the school premises to be used by the community. It would also be possible that the school could invite the community to specific events. The presence of a school and the facilities/activities that may be offered could make the area a more attractive place to live. Reopening the school may therefore encourage families with school age children to move to the village/catchment area. This in turn may make the community more sustainable. Some members of the community view the buildings and grounds as an opportunity to develop a resource to benefit elderly residents. Reopening the school would prevent any such developments, or any alternative plans for the building brought by the local community.
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Although still available for use by the communities for certain purposes and events, Furnace Primary School has had limited use by or for the community since it has been subject to temporary closure. The presence of a village hall near to the school means that there is an existing resource for community events in the area. 6.4.2 Travel Arrangements The travel distance from Furnace Primary School to Inveraray Primary School is 7.6 miles via the A83. Travel time is approximately 12 minutes3. The A83 is a main trunk road, with regular access not usually limited during adverse winter weather. The travel arrangements for pupils travelling to Inveraray Primary School have been in place since June 2023, and travel by car or bus is an accepted aspect of living in rural communities such as Furnace. If Furnace Primary School were to reopen there could be a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of some pupils who are able to walk or cycle to school. However, the lack of safe walking and cycle routes and the considerable distances involved would limit this. Staff would either travel to the school by car, or if they live locally could walk or cycle. There may be a positive environmental impact as the use of vehicles to transport pupils may decrease. Conversely, reopening the school would mean increased car usage by staff with commensurate negative environmental impact. 6.4.3 Educational Benefits The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers in exercising freedom and responsibility in their practice, within the context of broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community, ensuring effective learning and teaching which is matched to such needs. All schools in Argyll and Bute implement Curriculum for Excellence, and there are therefore no specific educational benefits associated with the reopening the Furnace Primary School. However, the reopening of the school would entail those local children choosing to attend being part of a very small school roll, which a number of parents/carers, and indeed children, in the catchment area viewed as disadvantageous to educational development for a number of reasons, including limited social groups and interaction, fewer curricular opportunities and experiences and less individual attention on account of composite classes covering a wide range of age groups. A small number of community members indicated their views on the potential benefits of attending a school with a very small roll. 3 Reference: Google Maps
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Outdoor learning is provided by all schools, and the school has adequate outdoor space to deliver this, if the school were to reopen. As a result of the continued temporary closure of the building, there would be issues with respect to the current condition and suitability of the school buildings and facilities which would incur costs in reopening the school. 6.5 Summary Of the people who attended the Community Engagement Event, a few supported the reopening of Furnace Primary School. Of the people who responded to the Community Engagement Survey, most supported the reopening of Furnace Primary School. If the school reopened, the school roll would still be unsustainably low over the next three years, based on the projected numbers of primary one pupils. One factor in this is parents exercising their statutory right to a placing request for their child/ren to attend another local school. There are financial implications associated with the reopening of Furnace Primary School. The total cost of reopening the school is £227,224, while the cost of bringing the property to the level and standard required for reopening is £10,100. The annual expenditure of £6,700 temporary closure costs would no longer apply. If the School were to be reopened, the premises and facilities would be more readily available for use by the community, in addition to its use as an educational facility. However, with the village hall being in regular use, this impact would be limited. This has been evidenced during the period of temporary closure when there have been very few instances of the school building being requested for community use or use by third parties. The reopening of the school may encourage families with school age children to move to the community, which may make the community more sustainable. The present pupil travel arrangements have been in place for almost 3 years due to a period where pupils attended Inveraray Primary School due to the Service being unable to recruit staffing for the school. Should the school reopen, there may be a positive environmental impact as the use of vehicles to transport some pupils may decrease. Conversely, there could be increased car usage by staff which may mean travel arrangements have a negative environmental impact. There are no specific educational benefits from reopening the school as all schools implement Curriculum for Excellence ensuring effective learning and teaching which is matched to the needs of children. Considering all of the above, reopening Furnace PS is not considered to be a reasonable option.
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7.0 OPTION B: CONTINUED TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FURNACE PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH PUPILS ZONED TO INVERARAY PRIMARY SCHOOL The Statutory Guidance for the 2010 Act, in relation to temporary closures, states “The maximum length of the temporary closure’s duration is likely to depend on the location of the school and the desirability of maintaining capacity to reopen a school there, but it is unlikely that it should exceed three years in areas that are not very remote.” Furnace Primary School has been mothballed for 18 months. 7.1 Overview of Community Views on Continuing the Temporary Closure of Furnace Primary School • Feedback from both the community engagement drop-in event and the community survey indicated limited support for continuing the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School. • Where support for continued temporary closure was expressed, it was generally framed as a short-term or precautionary measure to continue to address the issues for a limited period. • Some participants at the community drop-in event considered that maintaining the school in a temporarily closed status could provide flexibility for the future, particularly in the context of potential housing development in Inveraray and possible future pressures on school capacity. • It was acknowledged that historically low roll numbers at Furnace Primary School had been influenced by parental choice, with families making alternative arrangements prior to the temporary closure, and that this context informed views on whether temporary closure should continue. • However, across both engagement routes, many participants and respondents viewed continued temporary closure as an unsatisfactory interim position, citing concerns that: o It does not provide long-term certainty for families or the wider community o The school building may deteriorate while remaining unused o The arrangement offers limited benefit to either the Furnace or Inveraray communities. • Several respondents expressed the view that continued temporary closure was effectively delaying an inevitable decision, rather than addressing underlying issues relating to sustainability, demographics and service delivery. • Overall, the feedback suggests that while some community members recognised the potential short-term flexibility offered by continued temporary closure, there was no strong community appetite for this option on an ongoing basis, with respondents generally favouring either reopening the school or progressing to a permanent decision on its future. 7.2 Pupil Numbers Pupil numbers are not projected to increase over the next four years, as per Table 3 above. The table reflects the maximum school roll possible and does not take into account the choices of all parents/carers of primary-aged children
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to send children to Inveraray Primary School or other schools out with the catchment area by virtue of making a placing request. 7.3 Financial Information The annual cost of the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is £6,700. This does not include costs related to the transfer of a member of staff to another school, and the associated over-staffing costs. Neither does this take into account the cost to bring the property to an acceptable standard for any reopening of the school, which is £10,100. The annual cost of transporting pupils to Inveraray Primary School during the period of temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is £12,500. 7.4 Assessment of Rural Factors Section 12A (2) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 requires the education authority to identify its reasons for the closure proposal of a rural school, and consider whether there are any reasonable alternatives to the proposal which could respond to those reasons. For the proposal and each and any alternatives identified, the education authority is required to assess the likely educational benefits, the likely effect on the local community and the likely effect of different travelling arrangements. The reasons why the future of Furnace Primary School is being considered are as stated at Section 2 of this Report. 7.4.1 Community Impact If the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School were to continue, pupils would continue their education at Inveraray Primary School, or elsewhere, and there would be no change to the current impact on the community. The building has had limited use by the community during the period of temporary closure, with the nearby Village Hall fulfilling the civic requirements of the community. Furthermore, if the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School were to continue, the building would deteriorate further, with the result that it may not be available for community use under any circumstances. Some members of the community view the buildings and grounds as an opportunity to develop a resource to benefit elderly residents. Continued temporary closure would stall any such developments, or any alternative plans for the building brought by the local community. It can therefore be seen that to continue to maintain Furnace Primary School in its temporarily closed state will have no positive impact on the local community, which is reflected in the views of almost all stakeholders who participated in the preliminary engagement exercise. 7.4.2 Travel Arrangements
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The continuation of the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School would entail no change to the travel arrangements for children that are currently in place, nor to the environmental impact of such travel arrangements, both of which are detailed in section 6.4.2 above. 7.4.3 Educational Benefits The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers in exercising freedom and responsibility in their practice, within the context of broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community. All schools in Argyll and Bute implement Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring effective learning and teaching which is matched to such needs. For these reasons, the continued temporary closure would bring no specific educational benefits for pupils. The continued temporary closure of Furnace Primary School would extend the arrangements that have been in place for the past three years, a period during which pupils have not attended the school. However, any continued deterioration in the fabric and fittings of the school building as a result of temporary closure would exacerbate the issues associated with reopening, as described in section 6.4.3 above, and their potentially negative impact on the quality of educational provision in the building in any future scenario. 7.5 Summary Almost all of those who attended the Community Engagement Event were against continuing the 18 month temporary closure of Furnace Primary School. There was a view that the temporary closure the school over a long period was wasteful due to deterioration of the property and the costs involved, and that a decision to close or reopen the school should be made. The current annual cost (2025/26) to the Council of the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is £6,700. This includes electricity, heating oil, and ground maintenance, building maintenance and repair costs. It does not include the cost of over-staffing in another school to which the member of Furnace’s staff transferred. Neither does it take into account the cost to bring the property to an acceptable standard should temporary closure be followed by reopening of the school, which is £10,100. Continuation of the temporary closure would mean no change to the annual transport cost of taking pupils to alternative schools, which is £12,500. The present travel arrangements have been in place for three years. Should the school continue to be subject to temporary closure these travel arrangements would continue. There are no specific educational benefits from continuing the temporary closure of Furnace Primary school.
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On the basis that pupil numbers are not expected to increase and the building’s temporary closure is not of benefit to the community or the Council, the continued temporary closure of Furnace Primary School is not viewed as a reasonable option. 8.0 OPTION C: CLOSE FURNACE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND REALIGN THE CATCHMENT AREA FOR INVERARAY PRIMARY SCHOOL TO INCLUDE THE CURRENT FURNACE CATCHMENT AREA 8.1 Overview of Community Views on Closing Furnace Primary School and Rezoning the Catchment to Inveraray Primary School Feedback • Feedback from both the community engagement drop-in event and the community survey indicated that a smaller but consistent group of participants supported permanent closure of Furnace Primary School and realignment of the catchment area to Inveraray Primary School. • Support for this option was generally framed in pragmatic terms, with respondents emphasising considerations around sustainability, educational experience and value for money. • Some participants noted that many families had already made long-standing arrangements for their children to attend schools in Inveraray or Lochgilphead, often linked to work patterns and daily travel routes. • A common theme was the view that children benefit socially and educationally from larger peer groups, including greater opportunities for friendship, collaboration and preparation for transition to secondary education. • Respondents highlighted the broader range of facilities, resources and curricular opportunities available at Inveraray Primary School, which was seen by some as providing a more viable long-term educational environment. • Financial considerations were frequently cited, with concerns expressed about the cost effectiveness and sustainability of operating a school with a very small pupil roll, particularly in the context of wider budget pressures. • Several participants expressed acceptance of school transport arrangements, describing them as safe, routine and capable of providing social benefits for children. • Wider reflections were offered on demographic change within the Furnace community, including an ageing population and the impact of second or holiday homes, which some respondents felt reduced the likelihood of future pupil numbers increasing to a sustainable level. • While some respondents expressed regret and sadness at the prospect of permanent closure, these views were often accompanied by an acknowledgement of practical constraints and long-term viability issues. • Where closure was supported, there was also strong interest in ensuring the school building continued to provide community benefit, with suggestions including alternative community uses or housing provision, particularly for older residents. 8.2 Pupil Numbers
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Table 5 below details the occupancy level for Inveraray PS over the next four years as a percentage of its maximum capacity, taking into account the potential intake of pupils from the present Furnace Primary School catchment area were Furnace Primary School to be closed. Table 5: School Occupancy 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 Approved Capacity Inveraray PS 91 91 91 91 Projected Roll Inveraray PS 66 68 72 70 Projected Inveraray PS Occupancy % 73% 75% 79% 77% Furnace PS Projected Roll 10 8 7 9 Maximum Roll Projection Inveraray Primary 76 76 79 79 Inveraray PS Occupancy % 85% 85% 87% 87% Should Furnace Primary School close, pupils from the Furnace Primary School catchment area would automatically attend Inveraray Primary School, other than any pupils whose parents make a placing request to a school outwith their catchment area. There is a small upward trend projected in the school roll at Inveraray Primary School and the predicted occupancy rate for Inveraray Primary School varies between 73% and 79% over the next four years. There are no apparent issues associated with the capacity of Inveraray Primary School to receive pupils from the present Furnace catchment area, with potential occupancy rates being between 85%-87%. This potential increase is well within expected norms and could be seen as beneficial to the Inveraray Primary School community. 8.3 Financial Information Since the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School, there has been a bus service for pupils travelling to Inveraray Primary School, at an annual cost of £12,500. The closure of Furnace Primary School would therefore not incur any immediate additional transport cost. If Furnace Primary School were to be closed it would generate an annual saving of £6,700, the current annual cost of temporary closure (2025-26) not including the cost relating to overstaffing in another school as a result of staff transfer from Furnace. The potential cost of reopening the school, totalling £227,224 on
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an ongoing annual basis, plus £10,100 to bring the building up to the required standard for reopening, would also require no further consideration. 8.4 Assessment of Rural Factors Section 12A(2) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 requires the education authority to identify its reasons for the closure proposal of a rural school, and consider whether there are any reasonable alternatives to the proposal which could respond to those reasons. For the proposal and each and any alternatives identified, the education authority is required to assess the likely educational benefits, the likely effect on the local community and the likely effect of different travelling arrangements. The reasons why the future of Furnace Primary School is being considered are as stated at Section 2 of this Report. 8.4.1 Community Impact If Furnace Primary School were to close, pupils would continue their education at Inveraray Primary School – the catchment area of which would incorporate the present Furnace catchment area – or elsewhere, and there would be no change in terms of the current impact on the community. The Furnace school building has had limited use by the community during the period of temporary closure. The nearby Village Hall fulfils a wide range of civic requirements in the area, and is community-co-ordinated. Some members of the community view the buildings and grounds as an opportunity to develop a resource for an increasing elderly population in the community. The closure of the school would permit the local community to take such ventures forward, under the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Such a re-purposing of the building could potentially have a very positive impact on the economy and sustainability of the community in the longer term. The closure of the school may have a negative impact on the numbers of those with children considering a move to the area, a concern held by some of those who attended the Community Engagement Event and those who responded to the Community Engagement Survey. This could have an adverse effect on the sustainability of the local community. While some participants expressed sadness and concern about the loss of Furnace Primary School, particularly in relation to community cohesion and the attraction of young families, overall feedback and consideration of the available information suggest that these impacts are understandable and are outweighed by a range of other potential positive factors. 8.4.2 Travel Arrangements
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The travel distance from Furnace Primary School to Inveraray Primary School is 7.6 miles via the A83. Travel time is approximately 12 minutes. The travel arrangements have been in place for three years due to a period of challenges in recruitment of staff to Furnace Primary School. Travel is an accepted aspect of living in the Furnace community and the occasional issues relating to adverse winter weather are acknowledged. The option to close the school would have no effect on the current travel arrangements of staff and pupils, the associated costs or the environmental impact of travel. 8.4.3 Educational Benefits The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers in exercising freedom and responsibility in their practice, within the context of broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community. There are no specific educational benefits associated with the closure of Furnace Primary School, as all schools in Argyll and Bute implement Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring effective learning and teaching which is matched to the needs of children. Scottish Government classification defines both Furnace Primary School and Inveraray Primary School as remote rural schools. However, Inveraray Primary School has a more accessible location in a larger village. Children from the Furnace area, attending Inveraray Primary School are benefitting from learning with a greater number of peers of the same age and stage as themselves, as opposed to experiencing a single, multi-composite classroom. Pupils also benefit from the increased friendship groups that a larger school can offer, and from being part of a social context in which they can build relationships with different groups and individuals, develop social skills, meet challenges and exercise responsibilities as members of a social group. They are able to interact and socialise with larger groups of children, take part in team activities and move with an established group of friends and peers to secondary school at Lochgilphead High School. Pupils noted that a larger peer group benefited them socially and in preparation for attending the High School in Lochgilphead. 8.5 Summary From those who attended the Community Engagement event and responded to the Community Engagement Survey, a number of responses expressed support for the continued closure of Furnace Primary School as a school, and realigning the catchment area of Inveraray Primary School. The projected roll for Inveraray Primary School ranges between 73% and 79% of the school’s maximum capacity over the next four years. Upon the closure
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of Furnace Primary School, the intake of a small number of children from the previous Furnace catchment area would only put limited pressure on the school’s capacity, and will be positive for the school in terms of the greater mix of children attending, the potential input of additional engaged parents and the potentially positive impact on the school’s staffing. The closure of Furnace Primary School would incur no increased annual transportation costs, and the annual costs of maintaining the school building in its temporarily closed state, £6,700, would be saved by the Council. The projected substantial costs of reopening the school would require no further consideration. Travel arrangements to Inveraray Primary School are already in place for children within the Furnace catchment area and would continue should Furnace Primary School be closed. There would be no clear negative or positive environmental issues associated with the closure of the school. The vehicular transport arrangements would remain as they are. In Inveraray Primary School, children benefit from a positive learning environment, and from learning and teaching which is matched to the needs of the young people who attend the school. In addition, there are more opportunities for personal and social development, and for access to a potentially broader range of learning experiences and activities. After consideration of all that has been detailed above, the closure of Furnace Primary School and the realignment of the Inveraray Primary School catchment area to include the present Furnace catchment area has been identified as the most reasonable option for further consideration. 9.0 OVERVIEW OF OPTIONS Option Option Description Outcome A Reopen Furnace Primary School with the existing catchment area. Not a reasonable option. B Continued temporary closure of Furnace Primary School with the pupils zoned to Inveraray Primary School. Not a reasonable option. C Close Furnace Primary School and realign the catchment area of Inveraray Primary School to include the current catchment area for Furnace Primary School. Assessed as being the most reasonable option to address the underlying reasons for the proposal, requiring further examination. 10.0 ANALYSIS OF REASONABLE OPTION: CLOSE FURNACE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND REALIGN THE CATCHMENT AREA FOR INVERARAY
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PRIMARY SCHOOL TO INCLUDE THE CURRENT FURNACE CATCHMENT AREA 10.1 The closure of Furnace Primary School, and the realignment of the Inveraray Primary School’s catchment area to include the current Furnace catchment area, is assessed to be the most reasonable option for further examination, and, if approved, to subsequently progress to formulation of a “relevant proposal” under the 2010 Act. This section of the report both summarises and provides more information on the key factors considered in such an assessment and goes into significant detail regarding the educational benefits of closing Furnace Primary School, particularly as regards the educational provision offered by Inveraray Primary School. 10.2 Pupil Projections As detailed above, the realignment of the Inveraray Primary School catchment area to include that of Furnace Primary School, and the subsequent enrolment of additional pupils, is not anticipated to substantially affect the school occupancy in relation to the school’s maximum capacity. As detailed in the table below, the predicted occupancy rate for Inveraray Primary School varies between 73% and 79% over the next four years. There are no issues associated with the capacity of Inveraray Primary School to receive pupils from the present Furnace catchment area, and such a scenario can be seen as beneficial to the Inveraray school community. Table 5: School Occupancy 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 Approved Capacity Inveraray PS 91 91 91 91 Projected Roll Inveraray PS 66 68 72 70 Projected Inveraray PS Occupancy % 73% 75% 79% 77% Furnace PS Projected Roll 10 8 7 9 Maximum Roll Projection Inveraray Primary 76 76 79 79 Inveraray PS Occupancy % 85% 85% 87% 87% 10.3 Assessment of Rural Factors
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10.3.1 Educational Benefits Learning and Teaching The following focuses on learning and the curriculum at Inveraray Primary School, which is the school Furnace Primary School pupils have been attending since June 2023 and would be the future receiving school for children living within the Furnace Primary School catchment area. The curriculum at Inveraray Primary School includes a broad range of planned experiences, to help every child and young person to develop knowledge, skills and attributes for success in learning, life and work. In Inveraray Primary School, children are encouraged to be eager and active participants who are engaged, resilient and highly motivated during their learning. Children know that their views are sought, valued and acted upon. The learning environment encourages a high level of achievement, providing a wide range of opportunities for children to achieve their full potential within the four contexts of learning – curriculum areas and subjects, interdisciplinary learning, the ethos and life of the school and opportunities for personal achievement. In Inveraray Primary School, children are taught in composite classes composed of children from two or three year groups. Children benefit from being part of a social context in which they can build relationships with different groups and individuals, develop social skills, meet challenges and exercise responsibilities as members of a social group. They are able to interact and socialise with groups of children through a variety of learning activities, as well as take part in team activities and move with their peers to secondary school. There is a continual challenge for all schools to deliver a school improvement agenda and deliver effectively the principles and outcomes of curriculum for excellence. The National Improvement Framework priorities include raising attainment for all and closing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged children. The principles of Curriculum for Excellence recognise the professionalism of teachers and the importance of this in exercising autonomy, creativity and responsibility, in the context of broader guidance. This means that schools are able to design their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children and community. The Head Teacher of Inveraray Primary School leads a team of staff who are challenged and supported through a range of continuing professional review and development opportunities. The school is part of the Mid-Argyll Schools Cluster, which means that staff can be supported to work together, moderation and tracking of pupil progress is enabled and staff work across stage appropriate groups. Colleagues within Inveraray Primary School are able to support and challenge each other on a daily basis. The whole staff are able to bring a range of talents and skills to benefit outcomes for learners.
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Inveraray Primary School’s Improvement Plan illustrates a focus on pupil attainment across core subjects, curriculum development, moderation and professional learning. School staff have been developing their use of attainment data to inform improvement planning at whole-school level, and to support appropriate, effective, timely interventions for children in their learning and attainment. Curriculum development has focussed on the progression of learners within core subjects as well as personal and expressive subjects. The school collaborates with other staff within the Mid-Argyll area to moderate teacher professional judgement and developing a shared understanding of the expected standard for attainment of Curriculum for Excellence levels. Additionally, staff are supported to pursue professional development to support their classroom practice and in meeting the needs of pupils across the school. Inveraray Primary School encourages outdoor learning activities and learning through play. Partnership working with local employers and organisations and the Parent Council has helped to develop resources and outdoor learning to support this approach. Inveraray Primary School is in a village location within the Royal Burgh of Inveraray, which, like Furnace Primary School, is classed as a very remote rural school. The Head Teacher has a strong understanding of the rural communities that the school serves. Inveraray Primary School has its own linked ELC on site, with which it coordinates an active transition calendar. The school also has strong links with Lochgilphead High School with which it liaises, alongside all other Mid- Argyll schools, throughout the year to ensure a smooth transition for P7 pupils into S1. Outcomes Through the GIRFEC practice model, meeting the needs of every child continues to be a priority and teachers carefully plan and assess to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their potential. Tracking and monitoring procedures are in place to evidence pupil progress. This includes professional dialogue with teachers, learning discussions with children, classroom observations, assessment and analysis of pupil work. As a result of such practice, appropriate interventions are put in place, involving parents/carers and other agencies to ensure the needs of each child are met. Inveraray Primary School continues to develop positive relationships within the school through a focus on Nurture and the CIRCLE framework to support inclusive learning. The larger staff, parent/carer body and partner group of the school naturally increases the breadth of talent and interest that may be available to share within a school setting. This applies both in terms of the wider curriculum and within aspects of the curriculum that may be enhanced by staff individual expertise e.g. PE, language, science, expressive arts teaching. Experiences - Broadening the Range of Opportunities
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Children are offered a range of active, planned experiences which help them develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing both now and in the future. Inveraray Primary School has been developing its community links, providing enhanced opportunities for social interaction and skills development. Environment for Learning Inveraray Primary School is a suitably-equipped and well supported school, situated in the Royal Burgh of Inveraray. The school building is graded highly suitable for effective educational provision (Suitability Rating A) and the grounds and surroundings are extensive and attractive, providing ample space for play and outdoor learning. The building has facilities for pupils and visitors with special access needs. 10.3.2 Community Impact While there was some variation in views expressed through the Community Engagement Survey and at the Community Engagement Event, with a greater proportion of survey respondents indicating support for reopening and a greater proportion of event attendees expressing support for continued closure, consideration of all responses in the round indicates that overall support favoured the closure of Furnace Primary School. It is understood that a school closure may have an effect on the community’s sustainability, as a result of families with children being put off moving into the area. However, members of the local community are interested in developing proposals for the Furnace school building, which, if fulfilled, could have a positive effect on the economy and sustainability of the area and community. Present interest in the school building to be re-purposed to address the needs of an aging community. Examples of this suggested are self-contained flats for elderly community members or a dedicated space with facilities for elderly community members. The formal closure of the school would allow such plans to progress. Any civic role which the school building may have previously played in the Furnace community, or which it could continue to play were it to remain open, can be adopted by the Furnace Village Hall, which is run and co-ordinated by local community members. The hall is well equipped to play a key role in staging key local events and activities, and is doing so effectively. The closure of Furnace Primary School could have positive consequences for the future of Inveraray Primary School, and by extension, the community of Inveraray. A small increase in the number of pupils coming to the school as a result of the closure of Furnace Primary School could have benefits in terms of the school’s staffing complement, the number of composite classes, the mix and diversity of the pupil cohort and the number of parents potentially able to contribute to the life and work of the school.
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10.3.3 Travel Arrangements Travel by vehicle is an accepted aspect of living in the Furnace community, and there were already transport considerations for those travelling to school from within the catchment area prior to the school being temporarily closed. The travel distance from Furnace Primary School to Inveraray Primary School is 7.6 miles via the A83. Travel time is approximately 12 minutes. The travel arrangements for pupils in the Furnace catchment area travelling to Inveraray have been in place for three years. Occasional issues relating to adverse winter weather are acknowledged. The option to close the school would have no effect on the current travel arrangements of staff and pupils, the associated costs to the Council or families or the environmental impact of travel. 10.4 Financial Impact The main elements included within a school budget are teacher employment costs (basic salary costs plus related employer’s National Insurance and Superannuation contributions plus any relevant individual allowances); Local Government Employee costs and an allocation for discretionary expenditure incurred by the school (educational equipment, materials, staff travel, etc.). Teacher staffing budgets are calculated on an annual basis and within the Primary sector are determined, taking cognisance of the SNCT class size maxima, by the number of classes required to provide for the specific number and age of pupils in each school. When a school ceases to be operational, the teacher staffing budget is adjusted (at the appropriate time), as per entitlement information from Education HR, with the staffing budget resulting in a nil value. As a result of the authority’s policy for no teacher redundancies, it is presumed that the staff will be deployed elsewhere within the authority and therefore their salary costs still exist, and there is an increase to the receiving school’s budget. This is also in line with the national priority of maintaining teacher numbers. This methodology also applies to the school’s discretionary budget which again is formula-based. The budget of the receiving school, in terms of any pupils being transferred, will increase. The figures outlined below take account of the fact that the staffing and discretionary budgets for Furnace Primary School have been adjusted to nil. The annual running costs during the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School are £6,700. Therefore, annual savings generated through closing Furnace Primary School would be £6,700. The costs/savings outlined above assumes all revenue expenditure would cease. This includes non-domestic rates, utility costs, insurances, etc. If the school were to be formally closed, this would allow the council to take steps towards selling the school premises to a third party or progressing its handover
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to local community groups under the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. 10.5 Environmental Impact Pupils currently travel to Inveraray Primary School. The option to close Furnace Primary School would have no further environmental impact, and would have no impact on the current travel arrangements for staff and pupils. Travel to access services and amenities is an accepted aspect of rural life. 11.0 CONCLUSION Three alternative options have been reviewed in considering the future of Furnace Primary School. For each option, information was collated and consideration was given to: • Community feedback; • Pupil numbers; • Financial Information; • Assessment of rural factors, including community impact, travel arrangements, and educational benefits. An authority that is contemplating a rural school closure proposal must satisfy the preliminary requirements set out in Section 12A of the 2010 Act before formulating a proposal. After consideration of the preliminary requirements, as set out in the Act, and the options, and having regard to the specific reasons identified at Section 2 of this report, closing Furnace Primary School and realigning the catchment area of Inveraray Primary School to include the current catchment area for Furnace Primary School has been identified as the most reasonable option to address the underlying reasons for the proposal. Members are asked to: • Note the outcome of this consideration of the preliminary requirements; and • Agree that Officers now formulate a draft closure proposal that will come back to the December 2026 meeting of the Committee for consideration by Members. If approved it would subsequently trigger a statutory consultation process under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. Appendices • Appendix 1 – LDP2 for Furnace • Appendix 2 – LDP2 for Inveraray • Appendix 3 – Key for Local Development Plans
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• Appendix 4 – Floor Plan of Furnace Primary School • Appendix 5 – Floor Plan of Inveraray Primary School • Appendix 6 – Record of views expressed at Community Engagement Event, Furnace Primary School, 26th March 2023 • Appendix 7 – Record of views expressed through Community Engagement Survey Appendix 1 – LDP2 for Furnace
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Appendix 2 - LDP2 for Inveraray Appendix 3 – key for Local Development Plans
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Appendix 4 – Floor Plan of Furnace PS
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Appendix 5 – Floor Plan of Inveraray Primary School
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Appendix 6 – Record of views expressed at Community Engagement Event, Furnace Primary School, 26th March 2023 Future of Furnace Primary School Community Engagement Drop-in Event Thursday 26th March 20206 Option 1 – Continue with the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School • We have concerns over building plans in Inveraray and the capacity of Inveraray Primary School. We think Furnace PS should be kept temporarily closed in case capacity is required from additional families in Inveraray. • Isn’t it easier to hold on to the building in case it’s needed? Isn’t it more effective? • It’s been the parents choice to send their children to other schools which has impacted the numbers. Option 2 – Reopen Furnace Primary School • Preferably the school to reopen or for something to benefit the community. • I think it should be reopened. They’re bussing pupils up and down so if it was reopened they wouldn’t have to go on the bus. • If there is a school in the community you get more young people living in the area. • It would be an asset to keep the school open as it is part of the community. • It’s better to have a school close to home with a smaller number of pupils. Pupils benefit from a smaller group with more one-to-one teaching time. • A breakfast club and after school club helped with childcare. • I hope it stays open. It’s an old traditional school that should be saved. • It could be good for alternative uses like after school clubs for the area not just the school. Option 3 – Close Furnace Primary School • Parents were already taking children to Inveraray and Lochgilphead due to work before the school was temporarily closed. • It’s expensive and not sustainable with such small numbers. • I’m not for the school reopening. I had a child at the school and it was just too small. Inveraray is only 7 miles along the road. It doesn’t make financial sense to keep it open. • People don’t want it kept open as they have chosen to put their children elsewhere. • I feel it’s a waste of money to keep the school open and it should be closed. • I would love to see it reopened but it’s not practical as there aren’t enough children. Inveraray Primary has lots of resources. • Just so sorry to see it closed as it was a great school. • Village life is not what it used to be. It has different needs as there are so many holiday homes. • It is an aging village and I feel the building should be used for the older residents. • Small schools aren’t viable. Children need to interact with others to develop their skills. • Children are happy getting on the bus to go to other schools. • Catching the bus is safe and a good experience for the children due to the social aspect and preparing for high school.
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Over the last 21 months, what effect has the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School had on you, your family and/or your community? • I enjoyed the school events that the community could attend. Other ideas and comments shared at the community event: • This housing can’t house families because of the state of them. They are affected by water running underneath them. • ACHA homes that are larger occupancy only have single people living in them. It would have been better if families had been allocated these. • We are needing housing for the elderly. Sheltered housing would be good. • It’s been a really nice process and it’s been good to speak without feeling there’s been any agenda. • A care home would be helpful. • We are an aging community and we need more to meet their needs such as sheltered accommodation. • It should be a resource for the elderly – accessible, caring services • Flats for elderly residents. • Playroom for older people/retired people in the area. • Soft play and café – for young people and elderly people as well. • The building being used for apartments for couples or individuals perhaps for elderly couples/individuals. The shop and village hall are good supports for this. ACHA being interested in something like this could release the community pressure on this to manage such a venture. • This is not a suitable location for social housing where people are looking for work, particularly if they don’t drive. There is very limited employment opportunities in the area and bus transport links don’t support access to employment, mental health support and access to other services.
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Appendix 7 – Record of views expressed through Community Engagement Survey Appendix: Community Engagement Survey Responses This appendix presents the verbatim responses from the Community Engagement Survey on the future of Furnace Primary School which was open from February 23rd to April 6th. Responses are organised under the survey questions. All free-text comments are reproduced exactly as submitted. 1. Please note that this survey is anonymous and no personal information is required. You should also avoid entering any personal information into free text fields. You can view our privacy policy here: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/privacy/consultations-education 2. Respondent Type Respondent Capacity Response 1 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area; Response 2 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area; Response 3 Parent/carer of High School aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area; Response 4 Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area;Parent/carer of High School aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area;Local resident in the Inveraray community;Representative of community
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group (please note which group in question 3 below); Response 5 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area;Local resident in the Furnace community ;Representative of community group (please note which group in question 3 below); Response 6 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area; Response 7 Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area; Response 8 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area;Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area;Local resident in the Furnace community ;Local resident in the Inveraray community; Response 9 Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area; Response 10 Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area;Local resident in the Inveraray community; Response 11 Parent/carer of High School aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area.; Response 12 Parent/carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Inveraray Primary catchment area;Local resident in the Inveraray community; Response 13 Resident in the Mid Argyll area - Lochgair; Response 14 Local resident in the Furnace community ; Response 15 Parent/carer of High School aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area.; Response 16 Local resident in the Furnace community ; Response 17 Parent/Carer of primary or nursery aged child/ren resident in the Furnace Primary catchment area;
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3. If you are responding to this survey as a representative of a community group please note which one below: 4. If Furnace Primary School was to be reinstated, would you consider sending your child/ren to the school? 5. If you answered ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ to question 4, would the provision of any of the below help to change your mind? Please tick any which apply or provide more detail.
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6. If you answered ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ to question 4, would the provision of any of the below help to change your mind? Please tick any which apply or provide more detail. 7. What would need to change or be provided to you, for you to consider sending your child/children to Furnace Primary in the future?
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8. If you live in the Furnace Primary catchment area and your chid/ren attends Inveraray Primary School please choose a response to the following statement: How satisfied are you with the overall experience at Inveraray Primary School, including their learning and wider opportunities? 9. Do you have any additional ideas to increase the numbers of children who would wish to attend a reinstated Furnace Primary School?
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10. We would like to hear your views on the future of Furnace Primary School. The following are options the Council is considering, which option do you feel would be the best way forward? Other: 11. Option A – Reopen Furnace Primary School
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12. Option B – Continue the temporary closure of Furnace Primary School 13. Option C – Close Furnace Primary School and realign the catchment area for Inveraray Primary School