50 Highland schools waiting a decade without inspection, says Skye MSP
Written by MartyM on 29 October 2026
50 Highland schools waiting a decade without inspection, says Skye MSP
29 OCTOBER 2026
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Fifty schools in the Highlands have gone more than ten years without an inspection, according to figures raised by Skye MSP Andrew Baxter.
The stats include 11 primary schools which have waited more than 15 years for an inspection.
Mr Baxter has criticised the lengthy gaps, saying parents deserve answers about how schools are monitored and supported.
He said:
“Children are finishing school before the inspectors turn up. If a pupil disappeared for fifteen years, someone would ask questions. Parents are entitled to do the same.
“As a parent with a child still at school, I know these reports give families valuable evidence to challenge decisions and secure more support.”
He added that long gaps between inspections did not necessarily mean a school was performing badly, but said parents should not have to rely on assurances that everything was fine.
The issue comes as ministers are considering how often schools should be inspected, with new legislation giving powers to set a minimum inspection frequency.
A spokesperson for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland told Radio Skye that a public consultation had asked for views on how often schools should be inspected.
In May 2026, the Chief Inspector’s response to the consultation findings was published, including her views on inspection frequency.
The spokesperson said:
“The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 makes clear that Scottish Ministers will determine the minimum frequency of school inspections. Before doing so, Ministers must consult the Chief Inspector of HMIE, the HMIE Advisory Council and any other persons they consider appropriate.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said responsibility for school inspections rests with the independent HM Chief Inspector of Education, including decisions on frequency and methodology.
They said the government was consulting on minimum inspection frequency as part of implementing the new inspection arrangements, and would consider all views before making any decisions.
The spokesperson added that inspection was one part of a wider system of quality assurance, alongside local authorities’ statutory responsibility for monitoring standards and ensuring continuous improvement.
The Highland Council said it could not comment on which schools HMIE chooses to inspect or how often, as the inspectorate is independent of local authorities.
However, it said its Area Quality Managers carry out quality improvement visits to schools.
The council added that all schools must produce standards and quality reports linked to published school improvement plans. Local committees receive reports on schools in their areas, while attainment and achievement are also reported to the council’s Education Committee, chaired by Skye Councillor John Finlayson.
The consultation on inspection frequency is ongoing, and no decisions have yet been taken on any future regulations.
