HERMITAGE Academy has made a bit of history by becoming the first secondary school in Scotland to gain national accreditation with Investors in Young People.

The school has netted the award for its commitment to recruiting, retaining and developing its young workforce, who help young people to reach positive outcomes when they leave school.

It has also been recognised as an 'employer of choice' by the team behind the Scottish Government-supported project.

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Roseanne Mackay, depute head at Hermitage, who led the school through the process, said: “We’re delighted that all our hard work has paid off and we’ve received formal accreditation for our efforts.

“We had previously expressed an interest in Investors in Young People so, when funding became available through Year of Young People, we jumped at the opportunity to undergo the assessment.

“It’s been a real team effort. We’ve built strong links with local employers through our Developing Young Workforce agenda, in order to give pupils opportunities for development, and we’re fully committed to ensuring the very best for our own young staff.

“This has been a valuable, positive experience that will allow us to continue to grow as a school.”

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Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “To receive accreditation with Investors in Young People is an honour in itself, but to be the first secondary school in Scotland to achieve this is truly amazing.

“We want to ensure that every young person in Argyll and Bute is given the opportunity to succeed in life, and Hermitage Academy looks like it might be leading the way. Well done.”