Aberdeenshire is a predominantly rural area in the north east of Scotland. Extending to 6,313 square kilometres. Aberdeenshire represents 8% of Scotland's overall territory and contains a population of 236,260. There are 174 publicly funded schools, including 152 primaries, 17 secondaries and 5 special schools. 34,961 pupils attend these schools, including 19,257 primary pupils, 15,474 secondary pupils and 230 special needs pupils.