EXCLUSIVE: Dundee primary school set to shut next year and land could be sold for housing

A Dundee primary school is set to shut next year – with the land potentially being sold for housing.

Councillors will be asked to approve the controversial closure of St Pius X Primary School in Douglas at a meeting next week.

A consultation was launched earlier this year after proposals emerged to shut the school in a bid to save money.

Now, a report seen by The Courier, which has not yet been made public but will go before a committee on Monday, recommends that St Pius closes at the end of the 2025/26 session – despite concerns raised by the community.

Pupils would instead attend St Francis RC Primary School in Whitfield.

Concerns rasied by community over closure of St Pius Primary

Proposals to close St Pius first emerged last October, but a consultation was delayed after fears were expressed about a “geographical imbalance” in Catholic education in Dundee.

A new consultation date was set, starting in January, with more than 100 people making representations to the local authority.

Issues raised included the impact of closing buildings in Douglas, following shelved proposals to also shut Douglas Community Centre, the social and emotional impact on children’s friendship groups, and the impact on school and nursery staff.

There were also concerns raised about class sizes at St Francis, and the continuity of faith-based education.

However, Audrey May – the council’s executive director of the children and families service – says St Pius is one of the oldest schools in the city and costly to run.

Roof repairs alone have amounted to nearly £600,000 in the last five years.

Ms May’s report says: “This cumulative expenditure… highlights the ongoing cost burden associated with maintaining the fabric of the building to a satisfactory condition.

“It is anticipated that the age profile and condition of the St Pius X building may result in ongoing financial commitments at a similar level.”

Closing the school would save more than £677,000 in a single financial year.

Ms May’s report adds: “Children and families service will implement robust transition planning, including educational continuity, emotional and social support, and logistical arrangements for transport and accessibility.

“Council officers and senior leadership teams will oversee all aspects of transition, ensuring that pupils, parents, and staff are supported.

“Ongoing engagement will be undertaken and ensure that the needs of the school community are met throughout this process.”

Free bus travel for existing St Pius pupils attending St Francis

Any children currently attending St Pius, who want to continue their education in a dominational school, would be provided with bus travel to and from St Francis for the duration of their time there.

The council also says it plans to work with representatives from the Diocese of Dunkeld to develop plans for the future of Catholic education in Dundee.

Ms May’s report also reveals that, following the demolition of the school, the “land will be handed back for city development to market and dispose of, with the potential for future housing development”.

The final decision will be made at Monday’s meeting.

The Courier has contacted Dundee City Council for comment on the report.