When will Maddiston Primary School fully reopen?

Engineers have now identified structural issues with the original construction of the school building. As a result, it will remain partially closed until at least August 2026. Only areas confirmed as structurally sound – including the extension, modular units and (the separate) Maddiston Community Centre – will be used from August 2025. This decision was made in the interests of health and safety and following professional advice.

Why has it taken so long to confirm this?

Investigations following storm damage revealed unexpected construction defects with the original building. These required intrusive surveys and technical assessments which took several months to complete. This work is still ongoing.

What work is being done to fix the school?

The Council is working with Hub East Central and external engineers to identify the full extent of the work required. A root cause analysis and construction quality review are underway. Once these are complete, a Tier 1 contractor will be appointed, and remedial work will begin.

Will the whole school be rebuilt?

The new extension and modular units have been assessed and meet safety standards. Repairs will focus on the original part of the building. The full scope of work required, costs and the construction programme will be confirmed once investigations are complete.

Where will my child be based from August 2025?

The new class locations are:

• P1 (3 classes): Maddiston (extension)
• P2 (2 classes): Maddiston (extension)
• P2/3 and P3 (3 classes): Maddiston (modular units)
• P4 and P5 (4 classes): Wallacestone Primary
• P6 and P7 (4 classes): Bantaskin Primary
• Timezone/Inclusion classes: Moray and Carrongrange

These arrangements have been made to make best use of the available space across the host schools. In some cases, changes have been made to allow greater flexibility and increased space for both Maddiston pupils and the host school communities.

Are there any plans for pupils to visit Maddiston Primary School before returning?

At this stage, in-person visits are not planned before the end of term. Contractors and staff are focusing on preparing learning spaces and moving resources to ensure classrooms are fully set up and ready for the start of the new session. Pupils will be supported in class to understand what to expect, and familiar adults will be on hand in August to help them settle quickly.

Will pupils moving from Bantaskin to Wallacestone have a chance to visit before August?

Yes. The current Primary 4 pupils based at Bantaskin will visit Wallacestone before the end of term. This will give them a chance to see the school, meet staff, and connect with their peers who are already based there. Staff will prepare them in advance so they know what to expect and can look forward to the move with confidence.

Are there any plans for parents to see the facilities available at Maddiston?

Yes. We plan to invite parents of P1–P3 pupils to visit the school as soon as possible in the new term. This will provide an opportunity to view the facilities in use and hear directly from staff about how day-to-day arrangements are working across the campus.

Is the site safe for children?

Yes. Only the parts of the Maddiston campus that have been certified as structurally sound will be used. All spaces will be risk assessed, and children will have access to alternative toilets, dining and playground arrangements within these spaces. The Community Centre will be used for PE and lunches.

Will siblings be at the same site?

Not always. Children have been grouped by stage to keep year groups together. However, free transport is continuing to bus pupils to and from Maddiston to Wallacestone, Bantaskin and Moray Primary Schools so that families are not required to make multiple drop-offs or pick-ups.

What happens if my child is upset about being in a different building again?

Staff are highly aware of the disruption this has caused. Every effort is being made to ensure children feel settled, supported and safe. Transitions will be carefully planned and communication with families will continue.

How will school transport be arranged and who is eligible?

Free transport will continue to be provided for all pupils who are not based on the Maddiston site.

Arrangements will be confirmed directly with families before the new school year. Pick-up and drop off points will remain consistent where possible, and all buses will continue to be staffed to ensure children are supported.

Will there still be a Breakfast Club or after-school care?

Yes, operating as per current arrangements.

How will lunches be served at Maddiston Community Centre?

Lunches will be prepared and served within the Community Centre. We are installing a new kitchen and servery area and all arrangements will meet our normal nutritional, food hygiene and safety standards. Children will be supervised throughout.

How will pupils move between the Maddiston Campus and the Community Centre?

A safe, secure walking route will be established between the school and the Community Centre. This will be risk assessed and supervised by staff. Pupils will not move between buildings unsupervised.

Where will pupil toilets be located at the Maddiston Campus?

Toilets will be sited in the inner playground used by the extension. Toilets are also available in the modular units.

How will transition arrangements for P7 pupils moving to secondary school in August 2026 be handled?

Transition planning will be fully supported as usual. As we did this year, we will work closely with Braes High School to ensure P7 pupils feel confident and prepared for their move to S1. This will include visits, information sharing and opportunities to meet staff and other pupils.

Will children have the same teachers?

Pupils in mainstream classes normally change their teacher at the start of each session. The school will confirm the teachers for each class.

What support is in place for children with ASN?

Support for Learning Assistants and Teachers will be deployed across all locations and staffing decisions are being made to ensure continuity and familiarity. Timezone will remain at Moray Primary School.

Is this affecting my child's education?

No. Your child's learning remains our top priority. Although this is not the school setting we originally planned for, staff have worked exceptionally hard to create calm, purposeful learning environments. Children are continuing to access the full curriculum, and everything possible is being done to ensure their education and progress are not disrupted.

How will I know what’s going on?

Updates will be issued by Groupcall, school newsletters, and this website. The school office remains contactable by phone for specific questions during term time.

Maddiston Primary School is a non-denominational primary school, which is situated approximately 3 miles from Falkirk town centre. The school provides education from nursery to primary 7.

We have an enhanced facility which allows us to support pupils with additional support needs.

There is a Breakfast Club before school starts offering a healthy balanced breakfast.

• Maddiston - Bantaskin Primary School
  • Service 301
  • Service 302
  • Service 303
• Maddiston - Wallacestone Primary School
  • Service 201
  • Service 202
  • Service 203
• Maddiston - Braes High School

• Education Scotland Inspection Reports