The story so far . . .

In late 2012, Fife Council undertook a review of its schools estate. In April 2013, the Executive Committee passed proposals to look at closing seven Fife schools, three of which are in West Fife. One of these schools is Pitcorthie Primary School in Dunfermline.

Pitcorthie Primary is a bustling, thriving school and is at the heart of our community. School roll is at an all-time high with over 300 children currently in attendance. It consistently receives outstanding HMIE reports, has gained 'Health Promoting School' status and a 'Green Flag' ECO award, and has also just received its level 1 Rights Respecting Schools award.

Unfortunately for Pitcorthie's pupils, it is surrounded by three schools whose occupancy levels fall below Fife Council's desired levels. Further, part of the building has some structural problems inherent in its design. These structural problems have been apparent to Fife Council and have been under monitor for a number of years, and do not pose an immediate danger to pupils or staff, but they will need to be addressed in the next 2-5 years and will of course cost money. Despite this, Fife Council concedes in its own proposal documents that the school does not actually meet its own guidelines for closure.

Since the decision was announced in April, Pitcorthie parents have been making our voices heard. We have set up a Save Pitcorthie Primary Facebook page, attended council meetings, organised a banner, demonstrated with our placards outside both Fife House and Dunfermline City Chambers, and handed over a petition to Councillor Alex Rowley that contained over 900 signatures. We have had letters published in Dunfermline Press, and pictures and interviews in both the Press and the Courier. We have even been interviewed by Kingdom FM and on STV news.

Yesterday evening (Thursday 5th September) the Save Pitcorthie Primary Committee held a public meeting for all parents to let everyone know how they can help with our campaign. The meeting was very well attended and we were grateful to all the parents, pupils, community members and elected councillors who came along. We detailed plans for the next steps in our campaign, answered as many questions as we could (and took note of a few more that we will get answers for) and took contact details so we can better keep people up to date. This blog is just one of the ways that we intend to keep the wider community appraised of our plans and progress in the fight to save our school.