The latest Education Scotland inspection report for Queen Margaret Academy has revealed that although teaching is improving and young people enjoy their learning, leadership at the school needs to improve.
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In February 2018, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited the school to review progress following a previous inspection which had set out a number of improvements. During their visit, they talked to parents, pupils, and staff to gather evidence to support their findings.
The inspection team said that progress had been made in the following areas:
- There is a clearer understanding of the school’s vision, values and aims
- Learning and teaching is improving
- Assessments are now actively used to evaluate progress
- Most teachers use group work, digital technology and other techniques to engage with young people
- Health and wellbeing is improving for all young people
- The attainment of young people in National Qualifications in S4, S5 and from S5 to S6 is generally in line with young people with similar needs and backgrounds across Scotland
The school continues to have a high staying on rate from S4 through to S6.
Further improvement is still required in the following areas:
There is a need for the school to improve its leadership
Better relationships are required to ensure all staff work together as a unified team
The school needs to improve the consistency of learning and teaching.
Councillor William Grant, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “We have taken on board the comments following the inspection and are actively working to address the issues.
“Raising attainment remains a priority as we focus on meeting the needs of our young people. We want them to achieve their ambitions so they are ready for adulthood and go on to positive destinations.
“This is an exciting time for Queen Margaret Academy with a new head teacher starting after Easter and a state-of-the-art new school being built. I have no doubt that when it’s completed towards the end of next year, the new learning environment will lead to a step change in the school."
Education Scotland will liaise with the Council regarding future improvements prior to returning to carry out a further inspection.
The full report can be found on the Education Scotland website