There are 34 schools on the islands

The tiny secondary department at one island school is also under threat.

The proposals would enable each of the area's six junior high schools to offer education up to sixth year level.

Members of Shetland Islands Council will debate the plans, which would save between �250,000 and �500,000 a year, next week.

The local authority currently delivers its education service through a network of 34 schools.

Pupils remain in their junior high schools until fourth year before switching to Brae High School or Anderson High School in Lerwick for fifth and sixth year.

Primary schools

Now the council is being asked to enhance the role of the junior high schools in Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Aith, Scalloway and Sandwick to provide classes in the final two years.

Such a move would signal the closure of the secondary department at Skerries School.

The council is proposing the closure of primary schools at Uyeasound, Cullivoe, Burravoe, Olnafirth and Sandness.