The School Board of Stornoway was established in 1873. Prior to 1872, parishes could establish schools but this was not enforced. The Gaelic Society of Scotland and the Scottish Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge were active in the Western Isles setting up temporary or travelling schools.
From 1872, the state assumed complete responsibility for education. The Stornoway School Board was established answerable to the Board of Education and later the Scottish Education Department. The Board consisted of elected members and was responsible for providing education for all children in the area funded from a parliamentary grant and local rates. School attendance was compulsory except in cases of illness or where the school was more than three miles from home. Fees were payable, but if the parents were unable to pay the Stornoway Parochial Board / Parish Council met the cost from poor relief until fees were abolished in 1889/1894. The Board was also responsible for the medical inspection of children.
The following schools fell under Stornoway school board:

• Aird
• Back
• Bayble
• Knock
• Laxdale
• Nicolson Institution/Institute
• Sandwickhill
• Tolsta
• Tong

The Education Act of 1918 abolished Stornoway School Board, bringing it together with the school boards of Achmore, Barvas, Lochs and Uig to create the Lewis School Management Committee.