About

Kinellar School is situated in the village of Blackburn within the parish of Kinellar. In August 2018 Kinellar School reopened in a new building which stands on the site of the original school. Kinellar School is a non-denominational school with a current pupil role of 414. 14 classes have been formed for session 2022-2023. We currently have 53 children enrolled in the Nursery attending a variety of sessions between 8am and 6pm. Our Nursery is open 50 weeks per year to allow us to offer our families their 1140
entitlement.

The school serves the Blackburn catchment area. This includes village children and a few who are transported from outlying areas. Also, within the catchment area is a site for travelling people with whom we actively seek to maintain positive links. The site is managed by Aberdeen City Council.
Our school day begins at 9 am and ends at 3.15 pm.

Kinellar School is part of the Kemnay Schools Cluster. Historically most children transferred to Kemnay Academy for their secondary schooling. However, since 2019/20 the Primary 7 cohort have had the option of selecting either Inverurie or Kemnay Academy for their secondary schooling. This is evaluated on a yearly basis based on the capacity/role of both secondary schools. Kinellar works with other schools in the Kemnay Schools Cluster to ensure joint practice where possible. Strong links have also been formed with Inverurie Academy in the past couple of years to support transition.

The teaching staff consists of a non-class committed Head Teacher, one full time Depute Head Teacher and a job share Depute Head Post (Depute Heads are also class committed for a proportion of the week),12 full-time and 9 part time teachers. The teaching staff are supported by two School Administrators who job-share, an Admin Assistant, two Janitors who job share and pupil support assistants who cover the playground, lunch hall and assist in classes. We also have support from two part time ASL teachers as well as a part-time teacher who supports our Gypsy Traveller children when they are in school.

The school works closely with a range of support agencies and volunteers in order to provide the best possible experience for children with additional support needs. Community links are a valued part of school life. Parents’ Evenings and other events are well attended and supported. The school has a very supportive Parent Council which was first set up in 2007. The Parent Council support school improvement activities and raise additional funds to provide many extras for the pupils in the school.

Devolved budgets are managed in accordance with authority guidelines in order to support planned improvements in the school.