Highland Council intends to appeal a ruling that refused to allow it to merge four Skye schools at a single site in Dunvegan.
It has lodged a summary application at Portree Sheriff Court seeking an appeal against the School Closure Review Panel’s decision.
In May, Scottish Government ministers called in the council’s proposal.
The local authority wants to build a “community school” to replace the existing four primary schools and nursery classes at Dunvegan, Struan, Knockbreck and Edinbane.
The council sought legal advice and has now formally lodged its appeal.
Recently appointed education chairman Drew Millar, a Skye councillor, said: “We appreciate that while this appeal is ongoing, there will be a period of uncertainty for the community of northwest Skye.
“However, we strongly believe that the proposed new community school would deliver considerable educational and community benefits and that the consultation process was thorough and correct in arriving at this conclusion.”
He added: “The council believes that the panel has erred in its decision, which currently prevents us proceeding with the intended investment of up to £10million in a new community school.
“In pursuing this appeal, we believe it is in the best interests of the community to provide new facilities that will deliver first class, sustainable education into the future.”
Edinbane parent Tim Spencer was disappointed to hear about the decision to appeal.
He said: “The report from the review panel was quite lengthy and fairly damning of the council, so we did hope that because of the length of the report and the amount that was in it implying the council had been way off the mark, would discourage the council from continuing with it.”