Dornoch Academy praised for its 'positive culture' after inspection
Learning, teaching and assessment is of a "good" standard at Dornoch Academy, an Education Scotland report has found.
The east-Sutherland secondary school, which has a pupil roll of 197, was handed a similar evaluation for its attainment levels in 2022.
Inspectors from Education Scotland visited Dornoch Academy in March this year, to talk to parents and carers and young people while working closely with the headteacher and staff at the school.
The inspection team found that the solution focused approach of the senior leadership team and staff was a particular strength. The report stated that the approach ensures young people develop skills, attributes and experiences through their participation in out of class activities.
The school's positive culture was also highlighted, with inspectors noting that its ethos supports young people to be courteous, mature, and responsible learners. It was also recorded that staff have high aspirations for young people and plan well to ensure that they meet the needs of their learners.
The report also noted the attainment of young people in National Qualifications. This was said to be consistently in line with other schools who have young people with similar needs and backgrounds across Scotland.
Inspectors left the headteacher with recommendations to share highly effective practice across the school to ensure a consistent experience for young people in learning, teaching and assessment.
It was also recommended that the school continue to implement strategies to improve attainment and achievement.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted with the findings from Education Scotland on their inspection at Dornoch Academy. Particularly around identified strengths in regards to the solution focused approach of the senior leadership team and staff, ensuring young people develop skills, attributes and experiences through their participation in out of class activities. The positive and supportive school culture and ethos was also highlighted with staff having high aspirations for young people, planning well to ensure that they meet the needs of their learners.”
