Moray Learning Estate
Our vision is to deliver a:
“Learning Estate that is flexible and inspirational, that supports excellence and equity for all in Moray, building a better future for our children and young people, providing life-long learning opportunities and providing the foundations for a growing and diverse sustainable economy.”
This dedicated area will provide information and updates on the Moray Learning Estate Strategy 2022-2032.
Details of planned, current and previous consultations will be uploaded as required. If you have a query that is not covered in this area, please contact us by emailing LearningEstate@moray.gov.uk.
Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy
Since 2007, the Scottish Government and local authorities across Scotland have collectively invested around £5bn in Scotland’s Learning Estate.
Published by the Scottish Government in 2019, in conjunction with CoSLA and other partners, Scotland's Learning Estate Strategy sets out the approach for improving the school estate across Scotland to better meet the needs of young people and the wider community.
The shared vision, guiding principles, objectives and aspiration for the school estate remain valid and a good basis for developing our approach within Moray.
The Moray Learning Estate Strategy
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.
Contact Us
Moray Council Learning Estate Team
Council Office
High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BX
01343 563374