Schools
Find out about schools in Orkney, from enrolling and getting to school, to meals, music tuition and support for parents.
About our schools
Find school term dates, plus Curriculum for Excellence, Gaelic provision, and Young Enterprise Scotland.
Enrol in a school
Find out about Primary One enrolment, placing requests, and school catchment areas.
Getting to school
Find out about school transport, weather-related closures, and school crossing patrols.
Information for parents
Find out how you can get involved in your child's school, and support for additional learning needs.
School meals
Find out about school meal menus, prices and how to pay, and free meals for eligible families.
Learn a musical instrument at school
Find out about our free Instrumental Music Service, how to apply, and what to expect.
Early learning and childcare
We provide a range of early learning and childcare options for children in Orkney, from funded nursery places for three to five year olds to registered childminder partnerships. This page brings together everything you need to know about our early learning and childcare provision.
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Related news
4 November 2026
Stromness Nursery Recognised for Peedie Connections Project at Intergenerational Awards
An innovative partnership between Stromness Nursery and Hamnavoe House Care Home has earned recognition after receiving a Highly Commended award at the Intergenerational Excellence Awards 2026.
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2 October 2026
A recipe for success for Orkney’s school catering team
Orkney Islands Council's school catering service has had its Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) Bronze certification renewed for the sixth consecutive year.
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16 September 2026
Inspection report published for Stromness Academy 2026