Considering a move to the beautiful Isles of Mull or Iona and bringing your family? We understand that finding the right educational environment is crucial for your children’s well-being and development.
Our islands boast a fantastic network of schools, all part of the Argyll and Bute Council education system. While they may be small, they offer unique advantages: close-knit communities, strong pupil-teacher relationships, and an incredible outdoor learning environment right on their doorstep!
High School Education
The high school provision is centred around Tobermory High School, which is an all-through school serving the entire area.
Tobermory High School
- Location: Argyll Terrace, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6PB
- Ages: 3-18 (Nursery/Primary/Secondary)
- About: This unique all-through campus means children can go from Early Learning (Pre-5) right through to S6 on the same site, which provides excellent continuity. It’s the main hub for secondary education on the island, offering a full curriculum with a strong focus on community life and practical skills.
- Website: Tobermory High School
Important Note for South Mull & Iona Residents: Secondary pupils (S1 onwards) from the South of Mull (Ross of Mull) and Iona generally attend Oban High School on the mainland. This is due to long travel times to Tobermory and involves a well-established system where pupils board in Oban during the school week.
Primary School Education
Our primary schools are the heart of their local communities, offering a warm, inclusive, and highly personalised start to education.
Isle of Iona Primary School
- Location: Iona, Isle of Iona, PA76 6SJ
- Early Learning: Yes (Pre-5 Unit)
- About: The sole school on this historic island, it offers an incredibly intimate learning experience. Education here is often deeply integrated with the island’s culture, history, and stunning environment.
- Website: Iona Primary School
Bunessan Primary School
- Location: Bunessan, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DL
- Early Learning: Yes (Pre-5 Unit)
- About: Serving the Ross of Mull, this nurturing school has a strong focus on community, with small class sizes allowing for highly individualised attention.
- Website: Bunessan Primary School
Lochdonhead Primary School
- Location: Lochdonhead, Isle of Mull, PA64 6AP
- Early Learning: No (Children attend Salen Primary School Pre-5 Unit)
- About: Situated near Craignure, this school enjoys superb views across the sea loch and makes great use of its location for outdoor learning, including fun ‘beach school’ sessions.
- Website: Lochdonhead Primary School
Salen Primary School
- Location: Salen, Isle of Mull, PA72 6JL
- Early Learning: Yes (Offers both Mainstream and Gaelic Pre-5 Unit)
- About: Located centrally, this community school is notable for hosting a dedicated Gaelic Medium Unit, providing a fantastic opportunity for children to be educated through the Gaelic language.
- Website: Salen Primary School
Dervaig Primary School
- Location: Dervaig, Isle of Mull, PA75 6QW
- Early Learning: No (Children attend Tobermory High School Pre-5 Unit)
- About: Situated in the charming village of Dervaig, this primary is known for its strong community links and creative, engaging atmosphere.
- Website: Dervaig Primary School
Ulva Primary School
- Location: Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull, PA73 6LT
- Early Learning: No (Children attend Salen Primary School Pre-5 Unit)
- About: Located on the quieter west coast, this is one of the smaller schools, offering a truly personal and intimate learning setting where the natural landscape is a core part of the classroom.
- Website: Ulva Primary School
Tobermory High School Primary Department
- Location: Argyll Terrace, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6PB
- Early Learning: Yes (Primary department is co-located with the main Pre-5 unit)
- About: Part of the “all-through” school campus, this department benefits from shared resources and facilities, ensuring a smooth transition to secondary education.
- Website: Tobermory High School Website
We hope this list, complete with locations, early learning information, and website links, helps you in your planning! We encourage prospective families to contact the individual schools directly for more detailed information. A warm welcome awaits you and your children in our island communities!
