School Numbers Dropping According To Council Forecasts
28th May 2024

On Thursday 30 May 2024 the Education committee of Highland Council will be updated on the 15-year School Roll Forecasts (SRFs) that were published in April 2024 and the recent work undertaken to support the roll forecasting and school capacity modelling processes. There will be a presentation at the Committee meeting that will provide more information, including graphics to illustrate current statistics and future trends.
The central fact of this meeting will be a presentation on reducing school population in coming years.
The Highland population is falling and the school population predictions reflect this.
For Caithness both Thurso and Wick are predicted to see a big reduction in pupil numbers.
Wick High numbers
2023/24 - 741 to 2038/39 - 589
Thurso High
2023/24 -741 - to 2038/39 -581
There are many implications flowing from these predictions affecting not only school but housing and employment. with less young people entering the job market many places of employment will be affected.
The decommissioning of Dounreay runs at the same time with a reducing workforce.
Today's plea from the oil industry that 100,000 jobs may disappear due to current government policies from greening energy and restrictions on new developments and the new taxes could also impact. On the other side new jobs ay be created in the alternative energy industries.
Read the paper with links to more information HERE
The meeting will be web cast - See https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/810152
The meeting starts at 10.35am
The item is number 7 on the agenda.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Continuing with the trend over the past few years, Highland has seen the highest ever direct spend recorded for filming in The Highland Council region. In 2024, figures surpassed previous years to reach over £3.5million in direct spend.
At the recently held meeting of the Educational Trusts Sub Committee, the trustees made awards of over £105,000 to a wide variety of individuals and organisations from The Highland Council Charitable Trusts. The awards ranged from a few hundred pounds to £10,000.
Highland Council is implementing several changes to service charges in 2025: Council Rent Charges: An 8% increase has been agreed for council homes to address rising costs and fund housing improvements. The average weekly rent for council homes will rise to £82.84, which is still below the national average.
Highland Council have agreed to boost senior councillor pay by between £5-11k this year. The move adds almost £500k to the councillor wage bill, bringing it to a new total of £2.3 million.
Highland Councillors will be asked to consider a new approach on the future of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP). Approval is being sought for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30 which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities and population.
The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer. The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Members of today's Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan These have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models.
The Highland Council has today received confirmation from Scottish Government that it will continue to provide funding to the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) into financial year 2025/26. The funding provided by Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, and The Highland Council will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.
As agreed at The Highland Council's budget meeting on Thursday 6 March, more than £2 million has been approved for investment in environmental and community services throughout the Highlands including a community development fund, a community-focused operating model, Access Rangers and grass cutting maintenance. Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, said: "These investments reinforce our commitment to working with communities to create a resilient, sustainable and nature-positive Highland.
The Highland Council is taking part in the 2025 Welcome to Your Vote Week campaign run by the Electoral Commission which launches today (Monday 10 March). Every year the Electoral Commission asks schools, colleges, youth groups and universities to celebrate democracy by teaching democratic education with their students and young people.