Clackmannanshire is the smallest mainland authority in Scotland and has a population of 48,900, inhabiting a number of close-knit towns and villages. The Council has an area of 159 square kilometres. There are 26 publicly funded schools, including 19 primaries, 3 secondaries and 4 special schools. 6,973 pupils attend these schools, including 3,931 primary pupils, 3,000 secondary pupils and 42 special needs pupils.