Information Bulletin
18 June 2004
Best Value Service Review - A Long Term Strategy for Education in Shetland
Options on a long-term strategy for the future direction of education in Shetland will be presented to a special meeting of the Council's Services Committee on 24 June 2004. These options have been developed over a period of time by the Best Value Service Review Member/Officer Working Group.
The proposed options for change to the scheme of provision in secondary are to create Six-Year High Schools in Unst, Yell, Aith, Whalsay, Sandwick and Scalloway and that Skerries secondary department be closed.
The proposed options for change to the scheme of provision in primary include consultation on integrating Uyeasound with Baltasound, Cullivoe and Burravoe with Mid Yell, Olnafirth with Brae and Sandness with Happyhansel.
Joint management or closure of small schools, generally excluding those on the outlying islands, will be reviewed as circumstances change.
Extending provision for primary pupils in Lerwick will be examined as resources become available.
The proposals should result in revenue saving between £250,000 - £500,000 per annum. The saving to the capital programme is in the region of £11 million. This saving will be achieved mainly by a reduction in the size of the new Anderson High School and Hall of Residence.
These proposals will be presented to the special meeting of the Council's Services Committee on 24 June 2004 and to a meeting of the Shetland Islands Council on 30 June 2004 for consideration.
If the Council accepts the report, informal consultation with the affected communities will take place over the summer and a further report will be prepared for Services Committee on 2 September 2004.
Florence Grains, Chairperson of the Working Group, said:
"We are very proud of our record in education and determined to maintain and improve where we can. The working group have looked at all the options for the scheme of education across Shetland and have reached a consensus that these developments will provide the best balance of quality, cost and sustainability for continuing high achievement."
Bill Manson, Education Spokesperson, went on to say:
"We believe that the time is now right for these proposals to help more young people achieve their potential within the Education system. We are convinced that sixth year schools can provide a very significant community asset across Shetland. We regret the need to propose any school closure but we are equally convinced that the changes proposed will sustain quality of education in these areas more effectively."
Ends