St Peter’s RC Primary School inspection report released
Education Scotland inspectors have advised St Peter’s RC Primary School to make better progress in leadership, teaching and pupil attainment to make sure all children achieve their best.
Following an inspection in February 2023, inspectors returned earlier this year to check on the school’s progress. A letter released today (Tuesday 2 September) sets out what they found.
The report praises pupils for the part they play in school life and the local community, including leading work on children’s rights, reading and climate change. Children know the school’s values of faith, hope, respect, honesty and love, and now want to refresh these. Staff have updated the curriculum, and more pupils are improving in reading and writing. Attendance has also improved.
However, inspectors said overall progress has been limited. Leadership across the school needs to be stronger, and teaching must be more consistent. Staff should continue to make lessons interesting, set higher expectations and keep classrooms calm and supportive. Teachers are using assessments better but need to make sure this is used consistently to plan lessons. They also need to make sure pupils in mixed-age classes get learning at the right level.
Support for pupils with additional needs has improved through updated learning plans, but more still needs to be done to meet requirements. While attainment in reading and writing is improving, more focus is needed on maths and overall progress. Inspectors also found that Pupil Equity Funding has not yet had much impact on closing the gap between pupils from different backgrounds.
Frequent changes in leadership have slowed progress. Inspectors will return within a year to check progress, with Moray Council continuing to support the school.
St Peter’s Acting Head Teacher, Lesley Maclennan, said: “We’re working on the areas highlighted by inspectors and building on the positive steps we’ve taken so far. Staff, pupils and families are all involved in this journey and I’m grateful for the productive progress so far. Together we’re focused on strengthening learning, raising attainment and making sure every child at St Peter’s gets the best possible support to succeed.”
Moray Council’s Head of Education, Vivienne Cross, commented: “Inspectors have recognised some positive steps at St Peter’s, especially in literacy and pupil leadership. But we know there is more to do. We’re continuously working closely with the school to strengthen leadership, raise attainment and make sure every child has the best possible learning experience.”
The full letter can be found on Education Scotland's website.