Forres Academy

Overview

Education Scotland inspected Forres Academy in January 2023, finding that staff work in ways that help young people feel “included and valued.” However, the report identifies significant weaknesses in leadership, learning, wellbeing, and attainment, concluding that the school requires “additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.” A further inspection will take place within one year to monitor progress.

Strengths

• Staff work in a way that helps young people feel “included and valued.”
• Clubs and activities help young people develop a “range of skills.”
• Provision at the local college helps young people achieve “positive outcomes and skills for life and work.”

Areas to improve

• Improve “strategic leadership of change and improvement across all areas of the school,” with leadership focused on improving outcomes for learners.
• Improve the “quality of learning, teaching and assessment,” ensuring lessons are more engaging and young people are involved in leading their learning.
• Improve approaches to supporting young people’s learning and wellbeing, including full involvement of young people and parents in decisions.
• Improve attainment for young people from S1 to S6, with teachers tracking progress at all stages.

Safeguarding

The report states that the school must improve approaches to supporting young people’s wellbeing, including the planning and review of supports for learning.