Scottish Catholic Observer

The Blackburn high school received praise across the board from Education Scotland, with staff commitment to ensuring pupils from all backgrounds were fully included in all areas of school life noted as a particular strength.

Inspectors spoke to young people, parents and carers, and worked in close connection with headteacher Andrew Sharkey and other members of school staff during the visit.

Other areas of positive note were Mr Sharkey’s leadership as headteacher in moving forward with his vision for change, building staff capacity across all the levels and having high expectations to foster an attitude of ongoing improvement within the school; the benefits of support workers for pupils’ learning and their abilities in engaging and support students and effective partnerships with teaching staff; the range of learning options available to pupils in S4-6.

“Pupils have an increased range of options leading to qualifications both within school as well as at college and neighbouring schools,” said inspectors. “The quality of enhanced transition arrangements and support from the school is helping young people with autism make a successful transition and enabling them to participate in mainstream classes.”

Headteacher Mr Sharkey noted that the school were ‘delighted’ with the outcome of the Education Scotland report.

“I am delighted that the hard work and commitment of staff and pupils has been recognised and, also, the positive impact the whole community has on the success of our students, whatever their backgrounds,” he said. “I would like to thank parents and staff for their continued support of the school, as I have no doubt that this report could not have been achieved without everyone’s ongoing help and co-operation.”

The school also received praise on their ‘very positive’ report from executive councillor for education, David Dodds.

“This is a very positive report which the pupils, parents/carers staff and the school community can be proud of,” he said. “I was particularly pleased to note that the Inspectors highlighted the commitment of staff in ensuring young people from all backgrounds are fully included in every aspect of school life as a strength.

“St Kentigern’s Academy is well-placed to take forward the areas for improvement which were recommended by the Inspectors.”