The grades
Our HMI inspection report, published this September has graded us ‘very good’ in all four quality indicators. We could not be more pleased with the results.
| Quality indicator | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1.4 Leadership and management of staff | ‘very good’ |
| 2.2 Curriculum | ‘very good’ |
| 2.3 Learning, teaching and assessment | ‘very good’ |
| 3.1 Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion | ‘very good’ |
Two further sections of the report carry no grade, but we are proud of what the inspectors wrote in both of them. The inspectors were satisfied with our 2.1 safeguarding and child protection practices, noting no area that needs improvement. They found much to praise on 1.5 management of resources to promote equity, describing our accommodation as ‘very well organised, secure and safe’, our library as well-stocked, and noting the fine bank of core curriculum resources and textbooks that our staff have built from nothing in a single year.
We think these results are remarkable. Comparative data show that in its first year alone our school has achieved grades placing it in the top 20% of schools in Scotland.
What the inspectors said
Besides the grades themselves, the narrative describes well some of the wonderfulness of our school environment. Here is a little of what the inspectors wrote.
On the curriculum
Children benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum. It is based on the principles of Classical Christian education and aims to equip children with the skills to be effective, lifelong learners. Strong Christian values underpin all the school’s work and children’s learning. Programmes across the curriculum are designed to promote a Socratic approach to developing deep, precise thinking and an emphasis on joyful, outdoor and environmental learning.
The inspectors noted that children at all stages experience high-quality learning in literacy and numeracy and through discrete teaching in science, history, nature studies and geography; that children ‘enthusiastically learn Latin and French’; and that they are encouraged to seek out connections across subject areas, for example the links between learning about the Romans in history and learning Latin vocabulary and grammar. You can read more about how we do this on our pages on the curriculum and on interdisciplinary learning.
On our children
The inspectors were delighted by our pupils, and said so warmly.
Children are courteous, friendly and articulate. They are highly engaged in their learning and participate enthusiastically in lessons and activities across the curriculum. They challenge themselves to learn in depth, listen attentively and respond thoughtfully.
On our teachers
They were also full of praise for the skill with which our teachers deliver the lessons.
Teachers skilfully design learning experiences which combine short periods of highly concentrated focus with opportunities for children to undertake more active tasks. They use a range of effective questioning approaches to check for understanding and promote recall. Teachers ask challenging questions which encourage children to think critically.
On wellbeing, equality and inclusion
Furthermore, they found the atmosphere of the school to be everything we hope it is.
All staff foster a warm, supportive and nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. At the start of the year, children collaborated with their teachers to establish class rules that encourage kindness, respect and positive behaviour. This has been highly successful, with all children demonstrating friendliness, helpfulness, and a strong sense of mutual support.
On leadership and management
The inspectors were also very positive about the governance and management of the school.
The Board of Trustees provides very well-judged leadership and governance on all areas of school life… The Board of Trustees and staff have made significant positive progress within their first year as a new school. Together, they have a clear vision for the future growth and development of the school.
On what parents told them
Finally, and most gratifying of all, the inspectors spoke to our parents.
Parents are very pleased with all aspects of the school. They appreciate the individual approach that teachers and staff take to ensure that all children can achieve their potential. They feel that teachers are approachable and that they receive high quality, regular feedback on how well their children are progressing in learning.
Come and see for yourself
Better than any report: come and visit. We hold open days through the year, and you are welcome to get in touch at any time to arrange a visit.