Portree High School
State co-educational school in Scotland
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Portree High School (Gaelic: Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh) is a state co-educational comprehensive school in Portree, Isle of Skye in Scotland. As of 2025[update] the school enrols 503 pupils and employs 43 teaching members of staff.[1] The school's catchment area draws from 11 primary schools across the islands of Skye and Raasay.[2] On site, there is The Elgin Residence, commonly known as The Elgin Hostel, a location for pupils whose homes are a greater distance away to stay. Since 2018, the Headteacher has been Tony Breen. The school has 11 departments, some with multiple subjects.
| Portree High School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| School type | State school, state co-educational comprehensive |
| Established | c. 1800-1825 |
| School board | Portree High Associated Schools Group |
| Head teacher | Tony Breen |
| Teaching staff | 43 |
History
A school has existed at Portree since the 17th century. However it closed in 1825 due to the difficulty in finding a new qualified schoolmaster. Construction on the Portree High School buildings began in 1872. In 1905 it became a Higher Grade school. Margaret Carnegie Hostel for girls being opened in 1924, followed in 1933 by the Elgin Hostel for boys. Elgin Hostel is now a Category B listed building.[3]
Until late 2008, the school consisted of three buildings - the main building, the Elgin Hostel and the Technical Block, along with about a dozen demountable classrooms. In 2008, this arrangement was replaced by a new building, constructed by Morrison Construction as part of a regional PPP scheme to build eleven schools in the Highlands.[4] The demountable classrooms were then removed, and the main building and Technical Block demolished.
Curriculum
Students take a range of curricular subjects in the Broad General Education (S1-S3) and a wide range of subjects at N4/5, Higher and AH level. The school's curriculum includes provision for Gaelic medium education. The school works in partnership with the West Highland College and Sabhal Mor Ostaig to offer a wide range of vocational subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships. The new school was built in 2008, and officially opened in 2010. The current Head Teacher, Tony Breen, was appointed in 2021.[5]
Notable alumni
- Sir Russell Johnston (1932–2008), Liberal Democrat politician, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Party 1974–1988
- Hector MacKenzie, Baron MacKenzie of Culkein (born 1940), nurse and trades unionist
- Sorley Maclean, Scottish Gaelic poet and Nobel Prize nominee
- Roderick John MacLeod, Lord Minginish[6] (born c. 1953), known as Roddy John, Chairman of the Scottish Land Court since 2014
External links
