Wellington Special School to close

A council consultation has concluded that Wellington Special School should be closed and the pupils moved to Gorgie Hills and Panmure schools.

A report to be presented to the council meeting next week recommends that the school should be closed and the building sold. Part of the reason for the closure is that the number of pupils attending the school is expected to reduce to seven by June this year.

It costs £2.25m to run the school each year and this money will go back into the Children and Families Budget.  In addition it costs 200% more to educate a pupil at Wellington School than it does at either of the schools they will be moved to, indicating another potential saving.  A day place at the school costs around £65,000 per annum, while a residential place costs £190,000 per pupil.

“HM Inspectors found that the proposal to close Wellington School and transfer young people to Gorgie Mills, Panmure St Ann’s and mainstream schools to be of overall educational benefit to the young people directly affected by it. They recognise that the implementation of the proposal will also help the Council to secure its duty to deliver best value.

The council conducted a consultation on the proposed closure until 31 January 2014.