'Significant improvement' at Hermitage Academy, says report

The Helensburgh school was visited by Education Scotland in February 2017 but received an average report card when the inspectors' findings were published three months later, with leadership of change graded as weak.

But when inspectors returned this year, they found that positive progress had been made in terms of the school’s work and the range of learning available.

And the document hails the work of head teacher Robert Williamson, who was appointed eight months after the 2017 inspection, saying he has “won the confidence and respect of staff and parents.”

The new report, written by education inspector Carol McDonald, said: “Since his appointment in October 2017, the new head teacher has led important improvements in the work of the school.

“Strategic leadership has improved with senior leaders and middle leaders working together well to have a better overview of the school.

“Staff are feeling more included and involved. Working together, they are playing a stronger role in taking forward school improvements.

“Weekly meetings of middle leaders are providing them with a useful forum for ensuring better coherence in the work being taken forward across departments.”

Ms McDonald added that responses to a questionnaire which took place alongside the inspectors’ visit showed “clear improvements” in the views of staff and parents.

In the parents’ survey, when asked to indicate agreement, or otherwise, with the statement that “my child likes being at this school”, 86 per cent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed, compared to 78 per cent in 2017.

Ninety per cent also agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “staff treat my child fairly and with respect”, also an eight per cent jump on two years previously.

As part of the staff questionnaire, 93 per cent of those who responded either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement that “I find it rewarding to be a member of staff at this school.”

This figure was a 19 per cent increase on 2017.

Ms McDonald also said: “The school has made significant progress in improving the range of learning available, especially at the senior phase.

“Consultations with staff, parents and young people explored different curriculum models. The new curriculum model aims to increase depth through providing more time for learning for all year groups.

“Young people in S4 now have seven choices for courses leading to qualifications. The school provides a range of helpful information on the curriculum on the school website.

“Providing an overview of the curriculum would be helpful in supporting parents to have a good understanding of the outcomes of the range of recent work.”

Argyll and Bute Council has been contacted for comment.