Skye school review

A number of activities will take place on Skye over the coming months as part of The Highland Council’s Sustainable School Estate Review (SSER) of the Portree High School Associated Schools Group (ASG).  The SSER is seeking to deliver long-term sustainable educational benefits across the Highlands by improving the quality and configuration of schools in the area. 

SSER recognises from the outset that there are remote or inaccessible settlements in the Highlands where a school will be needed for as long as demand exists.  It also recognises that any idea to make changes, be they boundary changes, new developments or mergers, must be demonstrated to be educationally beneficial to all those affected.

Previous SSER studies have led to the construction of the new Ben Wyvis Primary School, two new primary school developments in Fort William, and the planned replacement of all schools in Wick.  Various ideas are also being considered for considerable investment in the schools in Easter Ross.

The Portree ASG review will follow a similar path to earlier SSER studies by:

The main activities are expected to include:

A number of initial ideas have emerged that we think must have more detailed consideration to explore potential educational benefits. These are:

This study is not a statutory consultation on school closures and no direction has been given, or decision taken, to consider any of the Portree ASG schools for such consultation.  The study is an exploratory exercise designed to share ideas in a public forum and to weigh up their pros and cons.

The SSER studies on Skye and elsewhere are being carried out by the Council in partnership with Caledonian Economics Ltd. Martin Finnigan and Frank Newall of Caledonian Economics have completed an initial round of familiarisation visits to the schools, met with the Head Teachers, and briefed local Councilors along with representatives of Parent Councils and Community Councils regarding the process.