Inspection report outlines challenges at Wick High School
An inspection of Wick High School has praised its leadership team but said it can do more to help children achieve their full potential.
The secondary school was visited by inspectors from Education Scotland in December, when they talked to parents, carers and young people and worked closely with the head teacher and staff.
A report of their findings was published on Tuesday.
Among the strengths identified were the “leadership of the acting rector in creating an aspirational culture, well supported by depute head teachers and faculty heads”. It also said there were positive relationships between staff and young people at the school.
The inspectors acknowledged that the leadership team has undergone significant changes over the last two years and said the staffing levels were a concern, while recruitment in the area was challenging.
It added that the pupils “identify strongly with their community” and that they take pride in the school and local area.
The report outlines four “quality indicators” giving them a ranking on a six-point scale as Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Weak or Unsatisfactory.
Wick High was ranked good for “leadership of change” and “learning, teaching and assessment” while “ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion” and “raising attainment and achievement” were marked as satisfactory.
Inspectors said areas for improvement had been discussed with the head teacher and included creating learner pathways for young people, giving pupils more opportunities to be involved in decision-making and setting aspirational goals to promote ambition.
“We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection,” the report summary adds.