High school hopes to tackle 'weak' attainment rating

A Borders secondary school is taking steps to tackle its "weak" rating from inspectors in raising attainment and achievement.

Education Scotland concluded Kelso High School's senior leaders needed a "coherent and planned strategy to ensure continuous improvement and better outcomes for all young people".

The school was rated as "satisfactory" across other key indicators.

Harriet Campbell, who chairs the parent council, said while the weak rating was "disappointing" it was already working with the secondary to address the issues raised.

Kelso High School has a school roll of more than 550 pupils and moved to a new building in the town in 2017.

Inspectors praised its pupils as "respectful, polite and keen to learn" and staff as "strongly committed to making positive changes".

However, they said teachers needed to "continue to improve learning and teaching by increasing the pace of lessons and the level of challenge in learning activities".

The school was graded as "satisfactory" for leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion.

In terms of attainment they concluded that current approaches were "diminishing attainment for too many young people".

Head teacher Jill Lothian said: "We are delighted that the recent inspection recognised many positive features of our school.

"Our young people were recognised for their good manners, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for learning, which all contribute to a welcoming and supportive school environment.

"Staff were acknowledged for their dedication and willingness to work together to improve practice, supported by a strong culture of collaboration."

She added that priorities for further development had been identified and the school was committed to "working closely with parents, young people and partners as we take this work forward".

Education Scotland said the school would be given additional support to make improvements and inspectors would carry out a further inspection within the next year.