Inspection recognises good work at Lochaber High

An inspection report on Lochaber High School, which is published by Education Scotland today (Tuesday 21 January), has praised the work of the Fort William school.

A team of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education visited the school in November and reported that “Young people learn and achieve very well. Across the school they have a consistently positive learning experience. Almost all are motivated to learn and demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Relationships between young people and staff are very positive. Young people are well-behaved and friendly and treat each other with respect.”

Inspectors evaluated both ‘Learners’ Experiences’ and ‘Improvements in Performance’ as “very good”; ‘The Curriculum’ and ‘Improvement Through Self-evaluation’ as “good” and ‘Meeting Learning Needs’ as “satisfactory”.

The key strengths of the school were identified as:

Inspectors also identified “arrangements for managing and coordinating support for young people who require additional support with their learning” and “tracking and monitoring” as areas for future improvement. They also reported that the school should “develop and improve the curriculum further”.

Inspectors were “confident that the school’s self-evaluation processes are leading to improvements” and will make no further evaluative visits to the school in connection with the inspection.

The full report has been sent home to parents and can be read on the Education Scotland website: www.educationscotland.gov.uk

Head Teacher, Jim Sutherland, said: “I am delighted with the report which recognises the good work that goes on in our school. This is a testament to the efforts of staff who work hard to give our young people excellent learning experiences. Lochaber High School has come a long way in the last few years. With the agenda set for further improvement, along with significant changes to the school buildings, the local community can be proud of the service its school provides.”

Caroline Haines, Chairman of the Parent Council, said: “I am extremely pleased that the efforts of the whole school community have been acknowledged in the report. Our Parent Council has an excellent working partnership with the school and it is gratifying that this has been recognised. As a parent, I am very proud that my children attend such a good school.”