‘Unique’ opportunity to teach at Fair Isle school advertised by SIC

A “UNIQUE teaching opportunity” as principal teacher of Fair Isle Primary School has been advertised by Shetland Islands Council (SIC).

The school serves pupils from early years through to primary seven, with two primary-aged pupils currently on the roll.

A younger child is also due to start in nursery soon.

The SIC said it was looking for an “enthusiastic, committed and motivated principal teacher” to join the Fair Isle community.

The school is led by a shared head teacher from Sandwick Junior High School and the current school staff includes one supply teacher, one clerical assistant, one supervisory assistant and instructors.

The principal teacher post is permanent and full-time, working 35 hours a week.

Quality improvement officer Chloe Kerr called this a “unique and exciting opportunity”.

“Staff, families and the wider community work together to embrace the real-life experiences the community offers and to help every child achieve their full potential,” she added.

Fair Isle is renowned internationally for its fieldwork and monitoring of migratory bird species, the SIC said, with bookings for the rebuilt Fair Isle Bird Observatory due to open in 2025.

A project is also underway to replace the current Fair Isle ferry and improve the harbour infrastructure, which will increase the reliability and capacity of transport connections to the island.

The closing date for applications is 6 January 2025, with people invited to apply here.