STAFF at Tiree High School have committed to focusing on improving its Higher A-C pass rate, a report has said.

The school achieved a 50 per cent Higher A-C pass rate in the 2022/23 exam diet, albeit with very low pupil numbers. The total secondary pupil roll is documented as 38.

Its National 5 A-C pass rate was 65 per cent, while it did not present any candidates at Advanced Higher level last year.

A report detailing the school’s activities over the past year will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, June 12.

The document said: “We follow a positive presentation policy deliberately ensuring that as many pupils as possible are presented for as many courses/levels as possible.

“Whilst affording our pupils this opportunity it can lead to the percentage pass rates to be, in some cases, adversely affected, impacted further by our small cohort of pupils in each of the year groups.

“We feel that pupils who are, for example, borderline in National 5 should be given the opportunity to sit the assessments in order to achieve to their fullest potential.

“We recognise that we need to continue to focus on improving our ‘Higher’ pass rate at A to C. Last year there was a 37 per cent difference in our A-C pass rate and the A-D pass rates at ‘Higher’ level.

“However, we must remember our data is skewed due to our very low numbers and as such percentages can be affected by the result gained by one pupil.

“Targeted, timely intervention is put in place which includes targeted interventions, 1:1 support where required, Easter study classes etc, counselling if appropriate etc.”

The report added: “The school has undergone a significant period of staff change very recently, with the appointment of an ‘interim executive head teacher’. He is the substantive head teacher of Oban High School.

“He is supported by a substantive senior depute head teacher who has operational responsibilities.

"In addition, the head teacher is supported by the substantive depute head teacher at Oban High School and the substantive head teacher of St Columba’s Primary.”