A Quick Look At The Education Committee Agenda On 19 November

11th November 2025

The Highland Council's Education Committee meeting on 19 November 2025 will tackle major updates in school infrastructure, budget oversight, and strategic planning for youth and community development.

The upcoming Education Committee meeting promises a robust agenda that reflects both the challenges and ambitions of Highland Council's educational strategy. From school relocations to performance monitoring, the reports offer a window into how the council is shaping the future of learning across the region.

Investing in Infrastructure and Community Voice
One of the headline items is the Statutory Consultation on the Relocation of Beauly Primary School. This proposal aims to modernize facilities and better serve the local population, but it also raises questions about community engagement and long-term planning. The report outlines the rationale for relocation, including building condition, accessibility, and projected enrolment. It's a pivotal moment for Beauly, and the consultation process will be key to ensuring local voices are heard.

Budget Scrutiny and Strategic Oversight
The Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for Quarter 2 provides a snapshot of financial health across the education portfolio. With inflationary pressures and energy costs still biting, the council's ability to manage resources efficiently is under scrutiny. The report highlights variances in spending and flags areas requiring corrective action—an essential exercise in fiscal transparency.

Strengthening Parental Engagement
A new Parental Involvement and Engagement Strategy is also on the table. This document sets out how the council intends to deepen collaboration between schools and families. It emphasizes inclusive communication, support for parental participation, and mechanisms for feedback. In rural and remote areas, where connectivity and access can be barriers, this strategy could be transformative.

Raising Attainment and Tracking Progress
The Education Improvement Plan and Attainment Update is a cornerstone of the meeting. It details progress on key performance indicators, including literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing. The accompanying Quarterly Performance Monitoring Report adds granularity, showing how schools are faring against national benchmarks. Together, these reports offer a candid look at what’s working—and where more support is needed.

Youth Futures and Community Learning
The My Future Highland Delivery Plan update and the Community Learning and Development Plan Annual Report underscore the council’s commitment to lifelong learning and youth empowerment. These initiatives span employability, digital skills, and targeted support for vulnerable groups. They reflect a broader vision of education as a community-wide endeavour, not just a classroom concern.

Keeping The Promise and Celebrating Progress
The council will also review its efforts to Keep The Promise—a national commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children. This report outlines local actions aligned with the pledge, including trauma-informed practice and inter-agency collaboration. Meanwhile, the High Life Highland Progress Report showcases achievements in arts, sports, and wellbeing, reinforcing the role of enrichment in education.

The meeting will conclude with the Educational Trust Fund Sub-Committee Minutes, offering transparency on funding decisions that support pupils and schools.

These reports offer valuable insights into how Highland Council is navigating change, fostering inclusion, and investing in the next generation.

Read the full agenda and papers HERE