School is praised by inspectors
St Kentigern’s Academy given good report
The commitment of staff at a West Lothian high school has been praised by education watchdogs.
St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn received a good report across the board by Education Scotland Inspectors who visited the school earlier in the year.
During their visit, the inspectors talked to parents/carers and young people and worked closely with the head teacher and staff.
In their report the inspectors said: “We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the quality of leadership, learning and teaching and young people’s achievements and wellbeing.”
The strength of the leadership of the head teacher in taking forward his vision for change, building the capacity of staff at all levels and setting high expectations to encourage a climate of continuous improvement was highlighted in the report.
The inspectors praised the commitment of staff in ensuring young people from all backgrounds are fully included in every aspect of school life.
The positive impact of the support workers on the young people’s learning and their skills in engaging and supporting young people were highlighted as strengths as well as the benefit to the young people of the effective partnerships with teaching staff.
The report highlighted the benefit to young people of the range of learning pathways available from S4 to S6 to suit their needs and aspirations.
The Inspectors said: “Pupils have an increased range of options leading to qualifications both within school as well as at college and neighbouring schools. The quality of enhanced transition arrangements and support from the school is helping young people with autism make a successful transition and enabling them to participate in mainstream classes.”
The inspectors recommended a small number of areas for improvement , including: continuing to build the leadership capacity of staff at all levels; develop a strategic overview within pupil support to ensure all young people are fully supported; further approaches to monitoring and tracking learner progress should be developed to make sure there is timely, reliable data on the attainment of every learner and continue to review the broad general education provision.
Andrew Sharkey, the school’s head teacher, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and commitment of staff and pupils has been recognised and, also, the positive impact the whole community has on the success of our students, whatever their backgrounds. I would like to thank parents and staff for their continued support of the school as I have no doubt that this report could not have been achieved without everyone’s ongoing help and cooperation.”
Executive councillor for education, David Dodds, commented: “This is a very positive report which the pupils, parents/carers staff and the school community can be proud of. I was particularly pleased to note that the inspectors highlighted the commitment of staff in ensuring young people from all backgrounds are fully included in every aspect of school life as a strength. St Kentigern’s Academy is well-placed to take forward the areas for improvement which were recommended by the inspectors.”
The inspection team were confident that the school has to the capacity to continue to improve so will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.