Hermitage Academy has won the praise of education inspectors for its support for pupils during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Helensburgh school has had a glowing report from Education Scotland, following a recent follow-up visit by inspectors.
And no further visits to the academy are set to take place after recommendations from the previous visit were successfully implemented.
One of the inspectors also remarked on how relationships across the school, among pupils and with staff, had improved ‘significantly as a result of the school’s ethos on promoting positive behaviour.
The inspector said that acting head Douglas Morgan, appointed in December 2020, had ‘demonstrated strong leadership during a period of significant change and challenge’.
“The focus during lockdowns was to ensure learning and support were available for all young people and their families. The health and wellbeing and development of resilience in young people remain a high priority,” he added.
“The focus on ongoing support through the restructured guidance system is strengthening relationships between staff and young people and their families.
“Staff used digital technology very well to support remote learning activities. Teachers’ enhanced digital skills continue to be used effectively to support young people who are self-isolating or absent from school.
“Young people who require additional support were well cared for during lockdown. Digital devices were issued to young people and support packs were also delivered as required.
“Young people and parents appreciated the regular live lessons and opportunities to interact with staff. Staff prioritised communication with young people and their families appropriately during lockdown.”
The inspector added: “The acting headteacher continues to lead important improvements in the work of the school. Effective approaches to gather self-evaluation evidence from across the school community are leading to the identification of appropriate improvement priorities.
“This is strengthening relationships and supporting improvements across the school. The school has made important progress in improving the range of subjects and courses available, especially for young people in the senior phase.
“An ambitious curriculum is now in place in consultation with parents, partners and young people. This is improving learning pathways for all learners.
“Almost all young people moved to an initial positive destination on leaving school and, of these, a majority attended higher education courses.”
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