Learning Estate

Burravoe Primary School - Options Appraisal

Options Appraisal Survey for Burravoe Primary School

About this project

Shetland Islands Council is considering the future of education provision at Burravoe Primary School. At this stage, no decision has been made about the future of the school. The Council is undertaking work to understand the options available and assess how best to provide sustainable, high-quality education for children in the area. As Burravoe Primary School is classified as a very remote rural school, the Council must follow specific requirements set out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 before considering any proposal relating to the school's future

Why are we reviewing Burravoe Primary School?

Burravoe Primary School currently has a small pupil roll, and projected pupil numbers are expected to remain very low over the coming years. 

Current position:

  • School capacity: 30 pupils
  • Current roll (May 2026): 4 pupils
  • Occupancy level: approximately 13%

Pupil roll trend

School Session Roll   School Session Projected Roll
2020/21 11   2027/28 4
2021/22 10   2028/29 5
2022/23 9      
2023/24 5      
2024/25 4      
2025/26 4      
2026/27 4      

Travel and School Locations

Burravoe Primary School is one of three primary schools located in Yell. The nearest alternative schools are Mid Yell Junior High School (Primary Department) and Cullivoe Primary School. All three schools are within the Mid Yell secondary catchment area.

Distances to Nearby Schools

School Approximate Distance from Burravoe Primary School Estimated Travel Time
Mid Yell Junior High School 8 miles 15 minutes
Cullivoe Primary School 14 miles 25 minutes

Distances and journey times are approximate and may vary depending on road and weather conditions.

School Capacity and Projected Rolls

School Capacity Current Roll Occupancy
Burravoe Primary School 30 4 13%
Mid Yell Junior High School (Primary) 70 26 37%
Cullivoe Primary School 30 8 27%

Consideration of Travel Arrangements

As part of the Options Appraisal, the Council will assess the likely impact of any changes to travel arrangements for children and families. Consideration will be given to:

  • Length of journey times.
  • Daily transport arrangements.
  • Road and weather conditions.
  • Opportunities for children to participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Impact on family and community connections.

This assessment is required under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 when considering the future of a rural school.

Options being explored

The Council is currently considering a range of options, including:

Option A: Continue with the status quo - Burravoe Primary School remains open and education and is considered for mothballing due to the current and projected rolls.
Option B: Move towards statutory consultation on permanent closure
Option C: Consider any other reasonable alternatives

At this stage no preferred option has been identified.

What happens next?

The Council will carry out an Options Appraisal which will:

  • Identify the reasons for considering change
  • Examine reasonable alternatives
  • Assess educational benefits
  • Consider impacts on the local community
  • Consider impacts of travel arrangements for pupils
  • Ensure all requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 are met

The findings will be reported to the Education and Families Committee before any decisions are taken on whether to proceed to a formal statutory consultation.

Key documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Has a decision been made to close Burravoe Primary School?
No. The Council is currently gathering information and assessing options. No decision has been made. 

Why is the school being reviewed?
The review is being undertaken because of very low pupil numbers and projected future rolls.

Will the community be consulted?
If the Council decides to progress a formal proposal, extensive consultation will take place in line with Scottish legislation.