The LES aligns with the local priorities set out within the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) vision for developing its learning estate. In May 2024, The Highland Council agreed an approach to develop sustainable local services and communities for the future.

The HIP set out how the council will work over the next 10 years to optimise its investment of resources in its learning estate in a prioritised manner to meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching.

Education Committee chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “This strategy reflects not only the council’s ambition but also its commitment to investing in our children and young people’s future and I am really delighted that it received the support of members.

“The Learning Estate Strategy provides the vision and methodology for creating spaces that will enhance and sustain communities across the Highlands. At its heart, it will support children and young people through their learning journey from early years through to primary and secondary education, including delivering for Additional Support Needs and enhanced provisions to meet the needs of all learners.

“This is not only important to equip our young people with skills for life and work, but also to develop the workforce for the future to grow the Highland economy and sustain our communities across the whole Council area.”

Housing & Property Committee chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, added: “The scale of the challenge before us is not to be underestimated, out of 197 schools across Highland, a total of 92 schools are rated as ‘C – Poor’ or ‘D – Bad’ for Condition and/or Suitability, with 42 schools rated as ‘C’ or ‘D’ for both. Despite significant investment in our school estate, the council cannot sustain the associated costs of an ageing property portfolio, which is why the Council will continue to explore all opportunities for capital investment in our schools.”

The LES supports the school estate management planning process, allowing the council to identify the need for investment going forward and to prioritise accordingly and in a way that is open and objective.

A new generation of community facilities is envisioned for the Highlands, with Points of Delivery (PODs) seeing a range of public services brought together in a single location.

The Learning Estate Strategy (LES) will be reviewed annually, particularly to reflect any changes arising from the annual update of school roll forecasts and the annual ‘Core Facts’ report to the Scottish Government which sets out the extent, condition and sufficiency of the schools in the learning estate.