A north-east secondary school which was heavily criticised in a recent inspectors’ report has unveiled an action plan for improvements.
Banff Academy was judged “weak” in all areas assessed by Education Scotland officers in a report published last month.
It called for a range of improvements to school leadership, communications and curriculum, and highlighted a series of “important weaknesses” across various sections of the school, particularly in terms of support for pupils with additional needs.
Head teacher David Dunn announced his retirement shortly before the report came out, giving just two days’ notice. Aberdeenshire Council has refused to comment on speculation that his sudden departure was connected with the inspectors’ findings.
Mr Dunn was replaced in the interim by senior education officer Andrew Ritchie, a former pupil at the school.
Now Mr Ritchie has compiled an 80-point strategy to raise standards of attainment and achievement in all aspects of school life.
The plan, which will be brought before local councillors next week, recommends a review of the school house structure, better communications with parents by using social media, and the appointment of an extra acting depute rector.
To help pupils’ learning, the academy proposes more focus on integrating youngsters with complex and significant needs into the wider school.
The plan is broken into five sections, each addressing an area said by inspectors to be weak, the second lowest rating.