Friday 29 March 2024
 5.9°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Education / Big interest in Fair Isle school vacancy – even from people with no teaching qualifications

A preferred candidate for the headteacher role has been picked and is due to move to Fair Isle soon

The Fair Isle airport terminal. Photo: Shetland News

THERE was always going to be a lot of interest in a headteacher vacancy at the UK’s most remote primary school, which only has three pupils.

The recruitment received national – and in some instances international – media coverage, including on the BBC and tabloid The Sun.

The good news is that after a second round of recruitment a preferred candidate has been picked and their family is due to move shortly to the isle, which is located between Shetland and Orkney.

But Shetland Islands Council’s children’s services director Helen Budge said the widespread coverage did not always result in the best candidates coming forward – with some even applying with zero teaching qualifications.

An essential requirement for the post was a relevant degree and recognised teaching qualifications.

Lerwick councillor John Fraser asked whether it would better to have a more targeted approach to recruitment to save admin time.

“I agree absolutely we need to target it, but how do we use social media and the local media to help us do that,” Budge told Monday’s education and families committee.

She said the vacancy being featured in a publication in another country was “perhaps less helpful” than some of the more focused coverage.

Fair Isle’s population has been reported as around 50 recently, and it was only in 2018 that the community was able to access 24/7 electricity.

The job, which came up after long-serving headteacher Ruth Stout left her position, was described as a “tremendous opportunity” to join the community.

Budge said generally there had been a “huge response” to the Fair Isle vacancy due to the press coverage and social media.

However, she also stressed to councillors the importance of “growing your own” staff and recruiting from within.

Recruitment generally for teaching jobs has not been the easiest during the Covid pandemic, with a reduction in the number of applicants.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Budge said this is partly down to people not feeling it is right time to move jobs during the pandemic.

But the headteacher vacancy at Ollaberry Primary School, which was proving particularly difficult, has been filled.

The council is also currently recruiting for relief bank staff for primaries and secondaries – with a warning made at Monday’s meeting over the impact self-isolation is having on schooling in Shetland.

Shetland South councillor Robbie McGregor also questioned what could be done to assist people’s housing needs if they are moving to the isles for teaching jobs.

Budge said there were a number of schoolhouses, mainly in the outer islands, which are maintained.

The hope is for the schoolhouse in Fair Isle to be brought up to scratch before the new headteacher arrives.

Budge also said the council helps probationary staff with finding accommodation.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.