A NORTH-EAST secondary school has received a damning report from inspectors just weeks after the surprise departure of its head teacher.
Banff Academy was deemed to be “weak” – the second lowest rating – across all inspected areas in the Education Scotland report, which was published today.
Last night parents said they were disappointed with the results of the inspection while the council’s education boss pledged to deliver improvements at the school.
Meanwhile, MSP Stewart Stevenson has written to the authority’s chief executive demanding answers over the secondary’s shortcomings.
In his report, HM Inspector Chris Webb said that there are “important weaknesses” across various areas of the school – particularly in terms of support for pupils with additional needs. He said: “In national examinations across S4 to S6, young people consistently achieve less well than the national average and schools that serve young people with similar needs and backgrounds. There are important weaknesses in the school’s arrangements for meeting the needs of young people in both the enhanced provision and across the school. In most lessons, classroom tasks are the same for all learners and, as a result, learning lacks pace and challenge.
“As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school needs additional support and more time to make the necessary improvements.”
The report said the inspectorate will now work with Aberdeenshire Council to help the school improve – and will be keeping an eye on its progress.
Last night Maria Walker, the council’s director of education, learning and leisure, said the council was aware of problems at the academy.
“We will continue to work with the academy to develop an ambitious and effective action plan to deliver improvements over the coming weeks and months,” she added.
In September, rector David Dunn shocked staff and parents at the school by announcing he was retiring – giving just two days’ notice.
At the time, Aberdeenshire Council refused to confirm whether or not his decision to leave was as a result of the impending publication of the inspection document.
Mr Dunn was replaced in the interim by senior education officer Andrew Ritchie, a former pupil at the school.
Mr Ritchie last night accepted that there was a lot of work needed in order to bring the academy up to scratch.
He said: “While there are indeed significant challenges ahead, I am pleased that the inspectors noted the positive relationships that exist between and among young people and staff. In my short time here I have been impressed with the genuine desire by staff, pupils, the parent council and the wider community for the school to succeed and our positive relationships will be key in supporting improvements at Banff Academy.
“Our first task is to set a clearer vision and direction for the school, improve attainment and ensure a consistent learning experience for pupils, particularly those who require additional support.”
Chairman of the school’s parent council, Graham Sloan, said he was “disappointed” with the result of the results of the inspection, but that he and other members would work with staff. Mr Sloan added: “Like many parents and as the chairman of the parent council at Banff Academy, the results of the HM inspection are very disappointing. The quality indicators show a level of weakness over most areas assessed and this is a concern as it’s virtually all-encompassing.
“The level of attainment at Banff Academy has been highlighted over several years and is not a new issue.
“I have already had meetings with Mr Ritchie to identify how he will implement the recommendations and the parent council will work with him and the school to support and assist our children to deliver the necessary improvements.”