Highland schools waiting too long for inspections, says MSP

Dozens of schools in the Highlands are waiting far too long for inspections, according to a local MSP.

Andrew Baxter said data from a Scottish Liberal Democrats freedom of information (FOI) request showed 50 schools in the Highland Council area have gone more than a decade without a visit from inspectors.

There were also 11 primaries that had not been visited by His Majesty Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) for more than 15 years.

The Scottish government, which has powers to determine the minimum frequency of inspections, said it was carrying out a consultation which included looking at how often inspections should take place.

Baxter said children were finishing their entire primary and secondary education without ever having an inspection at their school.

The Liberal Democrat MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: "As a parent with a child still at school, I know these reports give families valuable evidence to challenge decisions and secure more support."

He said inspections should recognise the hard work and achievements of teachers, and identify where they needed help.

Baxter added: "Parents should not have to settle for 'trust us, everything is fine'."

He said the Scottish government must explain how these gaps developed, and Highland Council must show how it holds its education services to account.

He said children only got one chance at their education and 15 years was "far too long to wait".

The Scottish government said that under the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 responsibility for school inspections rested with the independent HM Chief Inspector of Education, including decisions on frequency and methodology.

A spokesperson added: "The act also gives Scottish Ministers powers to set a minimum inspection frequency through regulations.

"We're currently consulting on this as part of implementing the new inspection arrangements and will consider all views before taking any decisions."

"Inspection is one part of a wider system of quality assurance, alongside school self-evaluation and local authorities' statutory responsibility for monitoring standards, ensuring continuous improvement across all schools."

HMIE said its recent public consultation on school inspections asked for views on how often schools should be inspected, and it published its response in May.

A spokeperson added: "The Education (Scotland) Act 2025 makes clear that Scottish Ministers will determine the minimum frequency of school inspections.

"Before doing so, Ministers must consult the chief inspector of HMIE, the HMIE advisory council and any other persons they consider appropriate."

Highland Council said its staff supported schools through quality improvement visits.

A spokesperson added: "All schools are required to produce standards and quality reports and link these into their published school improvement plans.

"Local committees receive reports on schools in their areas and attainment and achievement is also reported to the council's strategic education committee.