Ed: Since the publication of this article several parents of children with ASN have commented that this statement from the Scottish Government does not reflect the serious concerns raised by them at the meeting, and after about the lack of support in Orkney. The Orkney News will be following up their comments with the Education Secretary.
Jenny Gilruth, the Scottish Government’s Education Secretary has praised the work being undertaken to support pupils and students with additional needs.
In a recent visit to Orkney the Cabinet Secretary met with young people, teachers and parents from Glaitness Primary and Kirkwall Grammar School.
Jenny Gilruth said:
“It has been fantastic to visit Orkney and see some of the great work going on at Glaitness Primary and Kirkwall Grammar across the curriculum and particularly the targeted support for those young people with Additional Support needs.
“The impact of Pupil Equity Funding in our schools has been remarkable over the past decade, and it has been really inspiring to see how this direct funding from the Scottish Government continues to make an impact at the chalkface – where it is needed most.
“I am aware of the particular challenges which schools in our island communities can face, so it was hugely encouraging to see the dedication and commitment not just of the teaching staff, but pupils and families as well.”
The Scottish Government states that schools in Orkney have received over £2.1 million from the Pupil Equity Fund (PEF), since its introduction in 2017/18. That includes £247,355 which has been allocated in 2025/26.
Orkney has also received over £450,000 in Strategic Equity Funding since 2022/23 to help support approaches to closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
Glaitness Primary has received £31,850 in Pupil Equity Funding, while Kirkwall Grammar has been awarded £47,775, in 2025/26.
Jenny Gilruth also met with senior OIC councillors and education officers as part of the visit.
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