PLANS are under way to build a new school in Tullibody.

Clackmannanshire Council is set to embark on an informal public consultation on three options for a new, purpose-built Abercromby Primary School.

Education convener, councillor Ellen Forson, said: “We want to ensure that young people in Clackmannanshire benefit from the exciting opportunities that 21st century learning facilities can deliver. It’s clear that we need to replace Abercromby Primary School’s buildings to help meet our high aspirations for the future, and I’m delighted that we have been able to get initial agreement for funding from Schools for the Future.” The consultation, agreed at a full council meeting on Thursday, will ask for opinions on three options: building a new Abercromby Primary School on a new site with associated community facilities, building a new Abercromby Primary School and St Bernadette’s Primary School on a new joint campus with associated community facilities and building a new Abercromby Primary School and St Bernadette’s and St Mungo’s on a new joint campus with associated community facilities.

The Scottish Government’s Schools for the Future Programme has offered funding for the replacement of Abercromby, which was built in 1951.

The funding would be for up to 50 per cent of the cost, with the council funding the balance, and building expected to be completed by 2020.

The consultation also presents the option of building a new St Bernadette’s Primary School, which would continue to operate as a separate school maintaining a distinct identity, on a joint campus with Abercromby.

This option has potential educational benefits for the pupils at both schools.

The chance to improve the educational opportunities for the wider denominational community by including St Mungo’s as a potential partner in this process is included as option three.