Inverness secondary school catchments could be reviewed

The catchment areas of two of the largest schools in the Highlands should be reviewed, education officials have said.

Inverness Royal Academy is at 92% capacity with a roll of 1,341 pupils, while the city's Millburn Academy has about 36 more pupils than its stated capacity of 1,195 students.

Forecasts suggests the Inverness academy could remain at 92% for the next five years, while Millburn is expected to operate above capacity until the 2027-28 academic session.

Highland Council officers said a review could look at where housing developments were planned, travel patterns and the schools' community links.

The study would also look at capacity issues affecting Millburn and the Inverness academy's associated primary schools.

In a report to councillors, officials said concerns had previously been raised about pupil numbers.

"These concerns reflect local issues relating to catchment arrangements, school capacity, forecast roll growth and placing request pressures," they said.

"Officers therefore propose that initial review work focuses on these associated school groups before considering whether a wider review of Inverness catchment arrangements is required."

Councillors could be asked at a later date whether a statutory consultation should be held on any changes to the catchments.

The IRA is one of Highland Council's newest schools. It was opened in 2016 close to the site of the former school building, which was demolished.

Holm and Lochardil are among its feeder schools.

Millburn is on the east side of the city and its associated primary schools include Crown and Raigmore.