The Moray Learning Estate Strategy

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Approved by Council in December 2020 as a strategic approach and updated in 2022, the Moray Learning Estate Strategy sets out our vision of providing a sustainable education service aiming for excellence.

The basis of the strategy is the occupancy, suitability and condition of our schools with the outcome being a more efficient and fit-for-purpose school estate for communities across Moray.

The strategy will see the development of individual solutions that meet the varied needs of areas across Moray, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Whilst there aren’t any specific proposals at this stage, increasing school rolls means that the initial focus is likely to be on Buckie, Elgin and Forres where there’s an identified need to create more capacity. Other priority areas will be those with schools with significant maintenance issues.

Decisions will also be based on:

  • Full consideration of the existing school estate in the areas;
  • School roll;
  • Growth rates;
  • School condition; and
  • School suitability

As well as improving the condition and suitability, the strategy will ensure our learning estate:

  • Enriches the learner journey;
  • Supports curricular delivery;
  • Fosters relationships with the wider community;
  • Links with other public services;
  • Embraces opportunities through digital technology; and
  • Encourages parental involvement

Next Steps

We understand that improvements can be made to learning environments across Moray. With the quality of the learning environment having a direct impact on learning and attainment, the strategy aspires for any new build or major refurbishment to deliver an A standard for both condition and suitability.

Full condition surveys of all our schools will be undertaken over the next 12-18 months to identify major upgrade works and prioritise projects to address these.Lifetime maintenance plans will also be developed for all of our schools to ensure they are maintained at a minimum B standard for condition and suitability.

Changes to schools, such as closing, relocating or opening a new school, will involve consultation in line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

Details of upcoming information sessions can be accessed here.

Approved by Council in December 2020 as a strategic approach and updated in 2022, the Moray Learning Estate Strategy sets out our vision of providing a sustainable education service aiming for excellence.

The basis of the strategy is the occupancy, suitability and condition of our schools with the outcome being a more efficient and fit-for-purpose school estate for communities across Moray.

The strategy will see the development of individual solutions that meet the varied needs of areas across Moray, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Whilst there aren’t any specific proposals at this stage, increasing school rolls means that the initial focus is likely to be on Buckie, Elgin and Forres where there’s an identified need to create more capacity. Other priority areas will be those with schools with significant maintenance issues.

Decisions will also be based on:

  • Full consideration of the existing school estate in the areas;
  • School roll;
  • Growth rates;
  • School condition; and
  • School suitability

As well as improving the condition and suitability, the strategy will ensure our learning estate:

  • Enriches the learner journey;
  • Supports curricular delivery;
  • Fosters relationships with the wider community;
  • Links with other public services;
  • Embraces opportunities through digital technology; and
  • Encourages parental involvement

Next Steps

We understand that improvements can be made to learning environments across Moray. With the quality of the learning environment having a direct impact on learning and attainment, the strategy aspires for any new build or major refurbishment to deliver an A standard for both condition and suitability.

Full condition surveys of all our schools will be undertaken over the next 12-18 months to identify major upgrade works and prioritise projects to address these.Lifetime maintenance plans will also be developed for all of our schools to ensure they are maintained at a minimum B standard for condition and suitability.

Changes to schools, such as closing, relocating or opening a new school, will involve consultation in line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

Details of upcoming information sessions can be accessed here.

Page published: 19 Aug 2025, 08:58 AM