Positive inspection report for Aboyne Academy 

An inspection of Aboyne Academy has rated it ‘good’, with the report highlighting strong attainment and confident pupils.

During the visit from HM Inspectors of Education in March, inspectors spoke with parents, carers, and children, alongside the headteacher and staff to assess the school.

The inspection team found key strengths in the school’s work, highlighting how headteacher Michael Foy had ‘very effectively’ built a strong learning community where learning takes place in calm, purposeful environments and young people feel supported and valued.

The report continued: “This pride in their learning community helps young people to engage well in lessons, contribute confidently to discussions and helps foster a positive, respectful ethos across the school.”

Headteacher Mr Foy said: “We are delighted with this positive inspection report which highlights the strong sense of community across the school and the enthusiasm and commitment of both staff and pupils.” 

“It is great to see recognition for our pupils’ achievements alongside their learning, and we feel this report reflects the hard work taking place here every day and provides us with a strong foundation for further progress.

Other highlights include:
• Staff have a focus on improving oracy and literacy across the school. This is helping young people to become more confident in their learning and attain well. 
• Senior leaders and staff work creatively with a wide range of partners. This is helping young people to experience a diverse range of experiences which help them to learn in different contexts and develop essential skills.
• School attainment results remain consistently above local and national averages.
• The school library is a vibrant and inclusive hub and makes a significant contribution to learning and teaching across the school community.
• Inspection of the complex needs provision for pupils with a range of severe and complex additional support needs reported that “staff establish caring and supportive relationships with all young people” and that pupils were “making good progress in their learning.”

Inspectors identified two areas of improvement to focus on, asking the school to consider opportunities to formally recognise young people’s achievements, and that all staff should continue to work together to improve attainment.