Studying in the Highlands and Islands

Despite its relative remoteness, the Highlands and Islands has an outstanding education provision with numerous schools, regional colleges and a groundbreaking university.

Schools

There are over 400 primary and secondary education establishments in the Highlands and Islands

• 200 Nursery Schools (ages 3-5)
• 183 Primary Schools (ages 5-12)
• 29 Secondary Schools (ages 12-18)
• 3 Special Schools (for children with additional support needs)

The number of pupils leaving school with qualifications in the Highlands and Islands is well above the national average, highlighting the excellence of the school system.

Visit the Highlands and Islands learning and teaching web site

Universities and colleges

There is one university in the region but it is uniquely spread across the Highlands and Islands.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Millennium Institute is a revolutionary concept in distance learning at tertiary level. This unique partnership of fifteen colleges and research institutions offers university-level education throughout the region.

Although the learning network is based on this partnership, many of the colleges also operate local learning centres, enabling students to join courses and study without making long daily journeys.

Each college and research institution has its own distinctive character and local strengths so students can share in the educational advantages of a much larger institution. Students also benefit from the personal attention and care only a smaller college can give.

University of the Highlands and Islands website