Schools could get ‘cluster’ head teacher

MONEY- SAVING plans aimed at saving rural schools from potential closure are to be discussed by councillors today (Thursday January 26).

Proposals regarding the management of schools were first presented to the Highland Council's (HC) Education, Children and Adult Services (ECAS) committee in October 2015.

Today, councillors will discuss management of schools and be asked approve proposals for implementations which could chop £750,000 from HC spending.

The new management arrangements have been initially proposed for schools connected to Kilchuimen Academy, Kinlochbervie High, Farr High, Mallaig High, Dornoch Academy and Plockton High.

Changes are also being suggested at Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Invergarry primaries which would see the three schools being served by a single cluster head teacher and three principal teachers – currently Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge share a cluster headteacher and a principal teacher, while Kim Bentley is head at Invergarry.

The cluster appointment is already in existence in Lochaber: Lyndsay Bradley is the associated schools head teacher at Acharacle, Ardgour and Kilchoan primaries.

The meeting is at 10am and can be viewed online.