Mackie Academy rated 'good' following inspection
Mackie Academy has been rated “good” following an inspection by Education Scotland.
The report, published today (Tuesday), highlights the Stonehaven school’s commitment to providing “engaging and inclusive” learning experiences and its “support for young people to reach their potential”.
Headteacher Louise Moir said: “We’re delighted to have received such a positive inspection, which is a testament to the dedication of our staff, pupils and the wider school community.
“I’d like to say a big thank you for the hard work of our staff and young people, which has been recognised with an inspection that highlights our commitment to continuous improvement.
“Mackie Academy remains committed to building on these successes and ensuring all young people are equipped for future learning, life and work.”
Among the highlights, inspectors said that “young people and staff enjoy supportive, respectful relationships with each other” and that classes provided a “calm environment in which young people are keen to learn”.
The reported states: “Senior leaders and staff have effective approaches to assessing and monitoring young people’s progress in the Broad General Education. Staff are working well with community partners to ensure almost all young people achieve a positive destination when they leave school.
“This success is being supported by the increasing range of courses and awards available to young people in the senior phase, including foundation apprenticeships.”
Other findings from the inspection report include:
- Young people and staff engage in respectful relationships which help promote a supportive environment for learning
- Almost all young people achieve third Curriculum for Excellence level or better in literacy and numeracy by the end of S3.
- Performance for leavers in literacy is strong at SCQF level 5 or better, with almost all young people achieving this between 2018/19 and 2022/23.
- School attainment results remain consistently above the local and national average between 2017/18 and 2023/24.
- Most young people leaving school in 2022/23, including young people who require additional support, achieved SCQF level 5 or better in numeracy.
- All young people in S1-S3 benefit from wider achievement pathways through the Broad General Education skills-based initiatives.
- Senior leaders and staff have diversified the curriculum to provide a wider range of pathways for young people - this includes high uptake in Foundation Apprenticeships, National Progression Awards and skills for work courses.
- A significant number of young people in S5/6 achieved SCQF awards at level 6 in 2023/24.
- Strong work between school staff and partners such as Skills Development Scotland, local employers, colleges and universities is supporting almost all young people to move to a positive destination on leaving school.
Inspectors said there were two areas of improvement to focus on, ensuring the school continues to focus on pace, challenge and high quality questioning; and to continue to raise attainment in the senior phase, with a particular focus on SCQF level 6 qualifications.