Nearly 60 teaching vacancies identified across Highland schools

“Pressure areas” have been highlighted across Highland schools, with nearly 60 teaching vacancies identified including a lack of primary school teachers and across STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

A written question posed by Inverness and Ness-side councilor Alasdair Christie (Liberal Democrats) to the council leader Raymond Bremner revealed there are currently a total of 57 teaching vacancies across the region at present.

The question is due to be discussed at the full council meeting on Thursday, March 26.

Cllr Bremner’s response states: “In terms of pressure areas, these currently relate to STEM subjects, English and primary short and long-term cover.”

He added: “It is expected that the primary situation will improve in the next term and after summer.”

Cllr Christie said he was personally “surprised” at the number of vacancies and thought many parents would be too.

He said the high level of vacancies could cause a “potential risk or damage to the delivery of certain subjects”, adding it could “disadvantage future opportunities” for senior level pupils and those moving up to the senior phase.

Data provided in response to Cllr Christie, showed there were 30 teaching vacancies still not filled after an application deadline closed on March 9, with a further 27 after a closing date of March 23.

Among the first cohort 15 related to primary school teachers – the majority full time positions – with five for primary head teacher roles and one for a principal teacher.

The remaining 15 were for secondary teachers, again mostly full time.

Specialist subject teachers for key STEM subjects made up five of 15 secondary vacancies, with a lack of art teachers also common.

Vacancies for additional support needs (ASN) teachers were also among the vacant posts with a closed deadline.

The 27 vacancies with a closing date of March 23, included 11 for primary school positions.

Two positions remained available for both physics and biology teachers and one to teach chemistry.

There was also one open maths teacher position and one for a combined teacher of maths and business.

Inverness Royal Academy, Millburn Academy, Culloden Academy and Dingwall Primary School were among schools with the largest number of teaching vacancies.

Drummond School, the Highlands’ largest school for those with special educational needs also had a high number of vacancies.