Inspectors report praises improvements at Lochaber High School
An HMIe follow-through report on Lochaber High School, Fort William, published today (Tuesday) has praised recent improvements in the school, including the effectiveness of leadership and pupil support arrangements as well as noting significant improvements in attainment at S4.
Inspectors first published a report on the inspection of Lochaber High School in January 2006, making a number of recommendations and outlining seven main points for action. They revisited the school in November 2006 and September 2007 to assess progress.
The report states that in his 16 months in post, the acting headteacher, Jim Sutherland, had brought about considerable improvements in communicating and consulting with staff, pupils and parents. The Senior Management Team was now working together well with the faculty heads and principal teachers. As an improved team, all were now well placed to take the school forward. The curriculum, teaching approaches and pupils’ learning were now better. There had been signs of significant increases in attainment at S4 in 2007. The morale of all staff and pupils had improved. Staff and pupils were now working together more effectively to improve the work of the school.
A main point for action was to “improve the effectiveness of leadership” and inspectors noted very good progress in this area. Mr Sutherland and his restructured SMT were providing effective leadership. They worked well as a team and their work had a positive impact on the school. There was now a much improved culture focusing on praise, encouragement and the recognition of achievement. All members of the SMT were prominent throughout the school at key times of the day. They set an excellent example in their interactions with pupils, supporting and challenging them as necessary. As a result of the improvements made, the school was now led more effectively.
In conclusion, Inspectors said the school and education authority had made good or very good progress in meeting five of the main points for action. HMIe have asked the education authority to provide, in September 2008, a report on improving the school’s accommodation and quality assurance arrangements.
Mr Sutherland said: “Pupils and staff have all worked hard to bring about a significant change in the culture and performance of Lochaber High School and I am delighted that Her Majesty’s Inspectors have recognised the progress we’ve made. With an £11.7 million building and refurbishment programme scheduled to start next year, the school is well placed for further improvements in the future.”
Dr Moira Tregaskis, Parent Council Chairman, said: “It is such a relief to see that the improvements made throughout the school have been recognised by HMIe. We have still a lot to do, especially in updating the fabric of the school, but this must be the start for all parents and pupils to believe that we have a school to be proud of.”