Exceptional School Closures – Orkney International Island Games 2025

Orkney Islands Council is reminding parents and carers of an important change to the school calendar for four local schools.  

To support the successful delivery of the Orkney 2025 International Island Games in July, Kirkwall Grammar School, Papdale Primary School, Stromness Academy, and Stromness Primary School were used as athlete and visitor accommodation during the event with dormitory style rooms set up within their classrooms.

To allow school staff time to put their classrooms back together as schools return, these four schools will remain closed to pupils until Thursday 21 August, whilst other schools will return on Tuesday 19 August.  

Please note:  

• Papdale Halls of Residence will also be closed on the affected dates.  

• All other schools across Orkney will remain open as usual, including Papdale Nursery and Stromness Nursery.