Promising progress at Golspie High School but pupils still to reach full potential, say inspectors
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A struggling Sutherland school is showing strong signs of recovery but improvements are still required, according to education inspectors.
Golspie High School has been monitored closely since 2017 following concern over its academic performance.
Education inspectors last visited the school in March prior to lockdown, which saw schools across the region closed down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
HM Inspectorate made public last week a ‘letter’ relating to its findings from the March inspection.
The inspection found that headteacher Mark Evans and his management team had implemented ‘useful, short-term action plans’, which were helping all staff to be focused on contributing to school improvement.
Staff had also benefited from “well-focused” professional learning and sharing practice with other schools” and on the whole teachers were improving their learning and teaching practice,
It was noted that Mr Evans was working hard to overcome staff recruitment problems with technology used as required to reduce gaps in teaching.
Inspectors found that pupils' attainment in literacy and numeracy by S3 and S4 had improved, but that attainment from S1 to S6 needed to improve further.
The letter reads: “The quantity and quality of grades at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels five and six is not yet reflecting all young people’s full potential.
“To assist the school in improving and sustaining high standards, we have asked the headteacher to review how well the curriculum in S1-S3 is providing a foundation for progression to S4-S6.”
Inspectors found that almost all young people left the school for a positive destination.
The letter concludes: “As a result of our inspection findings, we identified areas where improvements are still required.
“In light of the current circumstances, we will liaise with Highland Council to discuss our findings, next steps and support for the school.”
North area education and learning manager, Alison Donald, said: “The school community have worked hard to achieve the progress that has been made so far and we are pleased this is reflected in today’s letter from Education Scotland. The school staff have a focused approach to raising attainment and is rigorous in ensuring that no young person leaves school without having their skills in literacy and numeracy recognised with a qualification.”
The full letter can be accessed at education.gov.scot
The Highland Council continues to work with Education Scotland in the school’s next steps to continued improvement.
Golspie High school was re inspected by HM Inspectorate in March 2020 with the letter published today (Tuesday 24 November) by Education Scotland reporting a number of improvements made by the school.
The letter states: “Since the last further inspection, the headteacher, supported ably by depute headteachers, has taken forward useful short-term action plans. This is helping all staff to be more focused on contributing to school improvement. Senior leaders and staff are making better use of their agreed vision, values and aims.”
The letter goes on to note a clearer focus on improving learning and teaching outcomes for young people and young people’s learning experiences have improved across most curriculum areas. Their engagement with learning is better, with more positive relationships, and young people are clearer on how they can take responsibility for improving their attainment. Progress is also being made in developing leadership of staff and young people.
North Area Education and Learning Manager, Alison Donald, said: “The school community have worked hard to achieve the progress that has been made so far and we are pleased this is reflected in today’s letter from Education Scotland.
“The school staff have a focused approach to raising attainment and is rigorous in ensuring that no young person leaves school without having their skills in literacy and numeracy recognised with a qualification.”
The Highland Council continues to work with Education Scotland in the school’s next steps to continued improvement.
