Kirkton of Largo primary school to be "mothballed"

Fife councillors have agreed to "mothball" Kirkton of Largo Primary School as the school roll has fallen to zero for the past two years.

A small rural school, with capacity for 75 pupils, Kirkton of Largo's school roll has steadily declined from 42 pupils in 2013, falling to zero in 2023.

The school has operated with a joint Headteacher, since August 2018, covering both Kirkton of Largo and Lundin Mill Primary Schools which is just over a mile away.

Mothballing a school is a temporary measure and provides an opportunity for the school to reopen if circumstances change. In the meantime, any new catchment pupils will be offered a place at Lundin Mill Primary School.

Fife's education spokesperson Cllr. Cara Hilton explained: "The expected school roll for August 2024 was to be fewer than five pupils. Based on that information parents decided to submit placing requests to Lundin Mill Primary School or make a placing request to another primary school, leaving Kirkton of Largo Primary School with no pupils for a second academic session.

"Data shows that the situation is unlikely to change in the next five years so we've taken the decision to mothball the school for now."

The building will be checked regularly to make sure it's well maintained and there will be a review of the situation before the end of 2025.