Stirling lies at the centre of Scotland, located between the east and west and the highlands and lowlands. Covering 2,187 square kilometres, the area encompasses a diverse mix of urban and rural environments. Stirling has a population of 87,810. There are 52 publicly funded schools, including 42 primaries, 7 secondaries and 3 special schools. 12,681 pupils attend these schools, including 6,649 primary pupils, 6,004 secondary pupils and 28 special needs pupils.