The inspection report, published today by HMIE, highlights several key strengths found during the visit. Inspectors noted very strong, positive, and nurturing relationships among all adults and children, with all children thriving and feeling understood, valued, and well-supported. The report also commended the personalised, high-quality learning and teaching across the curriculum, where children develop a wide range of transferable knowledge and skills, demonstrating a rich understanding of their island environment, culture, and heritage.
Outstanding collaborative approaches with the island community and wider partners were also identified as a strength, with children benefiting greatly from authentic and purposeful learning experiences. These learning opportunities are further extended through well-considered partnerships developed across Shetland, Scotland, and internationally. Exceptional approaches to wellbeing, inclusion, and equality were also noted, with children achieving high-quality outcomes and supporting wellbeing during transitions being an outstanding feature.
An area for improvement, as planned, was to continue designing and embedding high-quality approaches to assessment. HMIE's evaluations for the school rated 'Learning, teaching and assessment' as 'Very Good', and 'Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion' as 'Excellent'. The nursery class received the same evaluations.
Inspectors expressed confidence in the school's capacity to continue improving and will not conduct further visits related to this inspection. Parents and carers have been informed of the school's progress. Fair Isle Primary School currently has a roll of five pupils, with one child in the Pre-School.
“"This is a tremendous report, and to the credit of staff, pupils and parents, and I am very impressed at the achievement of an Excellent grade, which is a much sought after accolade. Inspectors made very positive comments around the school’s relationship with its community, and I’m particularly pleased to see they highlighted the support given to children during times of transition. Well done to everyone involved."
The full inspection report for Fair Isle Primary and Pre-School is available on the HMIE website.
