Mearns Academy

Overview

The inspection highlights a school with a "very nurturing ethos" and "very positive and mutually respectful relationships" that create calm learning environments. While leadership and wellbeing are rated highly, the report identifies specific needs to improve attainment and teaching quality.

Strengths

• "Very positive and mutually respectful relationships" support "calm and positive learning environments" where young people feel valued.
• A "culture of leadership at all levels" enables increasing numbers of staff and pupils to undertake leadership roles.
• Staff work well with partners to support wellbeing, including "strong support for young people who may face barriers to learning and participation."
• The school maintains a "very inclusive culture" with a strong commitment to valuing equality and diversity.

Areas to improve

• Improve the attainment of young people, "especially as they move beyond S4," by reviewing experiences across all stages.
• Teachers should develop their understanding of high-quality learning, teaching, and assessment, particularly regarding how to "improve challenge for young people."
• Staff should better use information gathered about pupil progress to support further planning for learning and progression.

Safeguarding

The report states that staff work well with partners to support the wellbeing of young people, including providing strong support for those facing barriers to learning and participation.