Learning Estate

Options Appraisal Survey for Skeld Primary School

About this project

Shetland Islands Council is considering the long-term future of Skeld 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 provision for children living within the Skeld catchment area. As Skeld 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 Skeld Primary School?

Skeld Primary School has been mothballed since August 2024 following a decision of the Education and Families Committee. At the time of mothballing there were four pupils attending the school and two children attending the Early Learning and Childcare provision. Pupils transferred to alternative education provision and staff members were redeployed.

As part of the Council's annual review process, families within the Skeld catchment area have been given the opportunity to express an interest in enrolling children should the school reopen. No enrolment requests were received during the 2025 or 2026 review exercises.

The Council is therefore undertaking an Options Appraisal to consider the long-term future of the school and whether there are reasonable alternatives available.

Current position:

• School capacity: 60 pupils
• Current roll: 0 pupils (school mothballed)
• Occupancy level: 0%
• School status: Mothballed since August 2024

Travel and School Locations

Skeld Primary School is one of four schools within the West Mainland cluster. The nearest schools are Aith Junior High School (Primary Department), Happyhansel Primary School and Sandness Primary School. All schools are within the Aith Junior High School secondary catchment area.

Distances to Nearby Schools

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

School Capacity and Current Rolls

Early Learning and Childcare

Skeld Early Years Provision was included within the mothballing decision approved in April 2024. As part of the Options Appraisal, consideration will also be given to the future of Early Learning and Childcare provision within the area.

Options being explored

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

Option A: Continue with the status quo - Skeld Primary school remains mothballed for 2027/28 session and potentially beyond.

Option B: Move towards statutory consultation on permanent closure

Option C: Reopen the school and potentially reassign the catchment areas for the westside cluster of schools 

Option D: Consider any other reasonable alternatives for Skeld Primary School

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 the future viability of reopening the school
• 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

• Education and Families Committee Report: Consideration of Preliminary Requirements and Options Appraisal for Skeld Primary School
• Learning Estate Strategy 2021-31
• Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Statutory Guidance

Skeld Primary School Mothballing

Skeld Primary School went through a mothballing process during 2023 and 2024. This involved assessment of pupil numbers, engagement with pupils, parents and carers, staff and the Parent Council, and consideration by the Education and Families Committee. The school was subsequently mothballed from August 2024. 

Why was mothballing considered?
By March 2024 the primary school roll had fallen to 4 pupils in a school with a capacity of 60 pupils. The school had therefore fallen below the Council's agreed threshold for consideration of mothballing. 

What engagement took place?
Engagement included meetings, discussions and surveys involving pupils, parents and carers, staff and the Parent Council. Educational, community and transport impacts were considered during the process. 

What was decided?
On 15 April 2024 the Education and Families Committee approved the temporary mothballing of Skeld Primary School and Early Learning and Childcare provision from August 2024. 

What has happened since mothballing?
Annual reviews have taken place in line with Council procedures. Families were invited to register an interest in enrolling children should the school reopen during both the 2025 and 2026 review exercises. No enrolment requests were received.