Four Papdale Primary School classes – P3M, P6E, P7E and P7M - will remain closed for the rest of this week mainly due to COVID-19-related staffing issues and a continuous small rise in pupil cases across these classes.

Due to the ongoing reduction in staffing at Papdale Primary School due to COVID-19, classes P7E and P7M will now be closed up to and including Wednesday.

We are aware of parental and public concern within the community in regards to the ongoing COVID situation at Papdale Primary School and some unfortunate speculation circulating on social media. We thought it may be helpful to provide some background and explain some of the reasoning behind why a school remains open and how and when a decision is made on whether to close in full or partially.

Orkney Islands Council was announced winner of the Community Involvement category at the LGC Awards 2021, for its work with local communities during the pandemic to protect, inform and reassure.

Due to significantly reduced staffing levels and a stretched teaching supply list as a result of COVID-19, there will be a full closure of Papdale Nursery and a partial closure of Papdale Primary from Monday to Wednesday 8-10 November