Glen Isla School

As the School for the Area had disappeared under the water, Dundee Water commissioners built a new school and schoolhouse in 1875. Accounts at that time show the cost of making and repairing roads, buildings of school and schoolhouse and repairs to the Church as £4,194. The school was extended in 1908 at that time 100+ Children attended. Now in 2000 the number is 13. The School and Church are at bridge end.

Glenisla Primary school is a remote rural situated on the B951 road between Kirriemuir and Glenshee. At present the roll stands at 21 in the school and 5 in the nursery class and there are two full time teachers one of whom is the Headteacher. New school premises were completed in the summer of '99. This consists of two classrooms all of which are situated on the ground floor. A nursery class was opened in August 1999 and premises on the first floor of the school building were completed by mid October. There is a large play area adjacent to the school building consists of both hard and grass covered surfaces.

Glenisla Primary School, was praised in a report published recently by her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools. The inspection team, which visited the school in September 1999, highlighted areas in which the 20 pupil school excelled, including: very good attainment in English, Mathematics and environmental studies by the pupils; very good provision of staff and resources; a well-balanced curriculum; and a very good quality of learning and teaching. The support network in the place for pupils was also singled out for recognition together with the very effective leadership of the headteacher, Janet Coyle. Mrs Coyle headteacher at the school for eight years said, "We're very pleased with the outcome of the report. The fact that there are so few recommendations suggests we should continue just as we are, which is great for the school. "We are all delighted".

The report also revealed that parent's views of the school were very positive. All those questioned were of the opinion that the school was well led; the pupils were well behaved; the school information about their children were treated fairly by their teachers and would be helped if they were having any difficulties. The role that the school plays in the community was highlighted, a number of aspects being emphasised: the informative reports to parents; the participation of parents helpers and visitors; the school handbook and newsletter; and the school's general welcoming approach to parents.

Airlie School

The current school in Airlie was built in 1865 and originally consisted of the schoolhouse and the two eastern classrooms. The school was extended in 1932 and again in the 1960's adding the dining room and toilets. There were then two huts added, but these were removed in 1978. The school has recently had a lot of work done to the inside to modernise it.