Plan to cut Falkirk school hours ‘not acceptable’ to Scottish government

Under the plan, children in primary school would spend 2.5 hours a week less in the classroom.

Secondary students would have their weekly hours cut by almost two hours.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government is concerned at any suggestion of cuts to learning hours and is clear that this would not be acceptable.

“Ministers are keen to come to a voluntary agreement with local government on protecting learning hours, but if no agreement is reached will take steps to prescribe the number of hours made available in regulations.”

Falkirk Council, which is currently looking to fill a £62m budget gap, said the possible move would save it about £6m.

A petition opposing the plan has gathered more than 2,000 signatures.

The plan would involve closing schools on Friday afternoons but some opponents stress their principle concern is the potential cut in the total number of school hours.