New Struan School is being closed but autistic young people and families are still fighting for it.

Scottish Autism says the closure is due to government and council policy, yet the Scottish Parliament has refused to even debate the issue.

This isn’t just about one school it’s about the future of autism education in Scotland.

💔 What’s Happening

Scottish Autism’s Chief Executive confirmed (in a letter to MSP Keith Brown on 16 October 2025) that the decision to close New Struan School comes from a lack of local authority referrals, not a lack of need.

Parents are still seeking placements, but councils are refusing to fund them. The Presumption of Mainstreaming policy has failed to provide suitable support for many autistic learners and now, their only specialist option is being taken away.

Despite this, the Scottish Parliament rejected an official petition to review the closure. Families are being passed between agencies, with no one taking responsibility.

🎓 Why It Matters

New Struan School has supported autistic pupils who cannot thrive in mainstream education.

Without it, young people will be left without a suitable placement or support.

Residential facilities have been allowed to deteriorate, and there’s no plan for future use of the site.

Promised “alternative models” remain unconfirmed pilot discussions, not real solutions.

This is not just a local issue it’s a national failure in autism education and accountability.

🕵️‍♀️ What Parents Are Doing 

✅ 32 Freedom of Information requests sent to all Scottish councils about referrals and funding.

✅ A formal complaint submitted to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) asking for an investigation into Scottish Autism’s handling of the closure.

✅ MSPs and media being contacted to demand answers and transparency.

📢 What We’re Asking For

We are calling for:

1. A public review of how autism education policy and local authority funding have led to this situation.

2. Scottish Autism to pause closure and work with families, councils, and government on sustainable alternatives.

3. The Scottish Parliament to reconsider its refusal and allow this issue to be properly debated

🙏 How You Can Help

💬 Sign and share this petition.

🖊️ Write to your MSP demanding they speak up for autistic learners.

📩 Ask OSCR to investigate the decision-making and transparency of Scottish Autism.

📣 Support the families who are still fighting for their children’s right to an education that meets their needs.

⏰ Time Is Running Out

By November 2025, FOI responses and new evidence will be ready but we need strong public backing now.

Autistic young people deserve transparency, respect, and real educational choices not silence and bureaucracy.

✍️ Sign now to Save Struan for our young people, their families, and the future of autism education in Scotland