Dundee primary school closure confirmed as councillors approve controversial plans

Plans to close a Dundee primary school have been approved by councillors despite fierce opposition from the local community.

Proposals to shut St Pius X Primary in Douglas first emerged in October 2024.

Dundee City Council said a declining pupil roll and crumbling school building were among the reasons for the closure plans.

However, the proposals were met with ire and over 100 people responded to a public consultation held earlier this year.

Parents and carers also held a protest outside the school last week – with youngsters chanting “save our school”.

Plans to close St Pius Primary School approved

The authority’s education committee met on Monday to discuss the closure plans.

Councillors heard from former St Paul’s Academy head teacher Teresa Little who, speaking as a representative of the Catholic Church, urged them to block the closure.

Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson also called on the committee to prevent the closure, arguing it would not be in the community’s best interest.

He was backed by East End representative Dorothy McHugh, who added: “I am distressed at having to speak again against removing yet another community facility.

“Dundee East is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Dundee, this area needs more resource not less.”

But committee convener Stewart Hunter said local authority was spending a “significant amount” of money maintaining the declining St Pius Primary School building.

He added: “We have a duty of care to our staff and young people and being in a building that is poor is not acceptable.”

The committee voted to approve the closure by 16 votes to 14.

What happens next?

Under the approved plans, St Pius X Primary close at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.

The catchment area for St Francis RC Primary School will subsequently be expanded to accommodate pupils who fall under the St Pius area.

Free transport will be provided for all children who reside in the St Pius catchment area who choose to attend St Francis.

Dundee City Council say the closure will save more than £677,000 annually.