Plan to cut Falkirk school week

Plans to cut the school week in Falkirk are being discussed today.

Falkirk Council is looking to reduce teaching time for pupils, by closing all schools at 12:30pm on a Friday.

An asymmetrical school week would also be introduced, with longer days on Mondays and Wednesdays.

It's in a bid to save money - the local authority is needing to save £56 million by 2029.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition against the plans earlier this year.

The proposal is set to save just over £6 million a year.

Falkirk Council say without the changes, services for pupils with additional support needs could be at risk.

Director of Education Jon Reid said:

"This updated report reflects our determination to present a full and transparent picture of the challenges we face and the potential consequences of the decisions ahead. We’ve provided detail on the financial realities and further insights into how the proposals aim to protect the quality of education in Falkirk. Our priority remains ensuring every child has access to a supportive and high-quality learning environment."