School Info

Lochaber High School

Lochaber High School is the six-year comprehensive school that serves the town of Fort William and the greater Lochaber area. There are eight associated primary schools: Banavie, Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, Caol, Invergarry, Inverlochy, Lundavra, Spean Bridge and St Columba’s. The school stands in spectacular surroundings to the North of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.

The school has a high standing in the local community and beyond. Pupils do well in national assessments (in 2017, ten S5 pupils achieved five A passes at Higher). The school curriculum has developed in line with national and regional guidelines, with some S4, 5 & 6 classes combined in the Senior Phase. The school operates a 33 period asymmetric week, in line with other Highland schools, allowing access to courses from the ‘Virtual School’. Gaelic for learners, Gàidhlig (Gaelic Medium education) and Gaelic culture and heritage are important aspects of the school’s ethos and help to define the school’s identity in the local community. West Highland College UHI is a major partner in providing vocational courses as the DYW agenda progresses. Almost all pupils leaving the school go on to positive leaver destinations.

The school building is spacious and generally very well equipped. A multi-million pound refurbishment and rebuilding programme – ‘Lochaber 21’ – was recently completed and has brought about considerable improvements to the campus. Facilities are among the best in Highland. Specialist facilities and support are provided for pupils with additional support needs. The school is a technology rich environment and each pupil is allocated their own Chromebook to enhance their learning.

The current school roll is 862 pupils. The roll is predicted to rise as commercial developments in Fort William progress.

Where Are We?

The School Day

We follow a 33 period week in line with all other Highland schools. Period timings are as follows:

Monday – Thursday
Early Notice Bell 08.45
Period 1 08.50 – 09.40
Period 2 09.40 – 10.30
Period 3 10.30 – 11.20
Break 11.20 – 11.35
Period 4 11.35 – 12.25
Period 5 12.25 – 13.15
Lunch 13.15 – 14.00
Early Notice Bell 13.55
Period 6 14.00 – 14.50
Period 7 14.50 – 15.40

Friday
Early Notice Bell 08.45
Period 1 08.50 – 09.40
Period 2 09.40 – 10.30
Period 3 10.30 – 11.20
Break 11.20 – 11.35
Period 4 11.35 – 12.25
Period 5 12.25 – 13.15

Catchment Area & Placing Requests

The catchment area for Lochaber High School includes eight Associated Primary Schools: Banavie, Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, Caol, Invergarry, Inverlochy, Lundavra, Spean Bridge and St Columba’s.

Pupils who live in our catchment area will have priority in being allocated a place. Parents do have the right to specify the school in which they wish to place their child. Applications must be made to the Area Education Manager using a Placing Request Form which can be obtained from here.

Placing requests cannot be submitted until December. The exact date will be specified each year. If the school receives more placing requests than places, then allocation will be made according to siblings in the school and date of receipt of placing request.

Transportation to and from school, for placing request pupils, is a parental responsibility. If pupils live outwith the school catchment area and their parents wish them to attend Lochaber High School, please contact the school to arrange a visit.