STAFF have been urged to work together to make sure teaching standards at Inverkeithing High are “consistent” across the school. 

An Education Scotland inspection took place recently and while the crumbling buildings are due to be replaced at a cost of £73 million, the quality of the lessons and achievements in the classroom were generally good. 

Inspectors were happy that young people were being provided with “learning that is directly relevant to their future careers” but said there were missed opportunities to enhance learning due to the inconsistency of teaching. 

Their report rated three out of four categories –learning, teaching and assessment – as ‘satisfactory’. Raising attainment and achievement was assessed as ‘good’. 

Inspectors said a more strategic overview was required when managing change and senior leaders needed to ensure young people, parents, staff and partners were fully informed and involved in the planning process.

The school should also do more to ensure young people are making appropriate progress. 

One of the key strengths identified at Inverkeithing was the wide range of projects and opportunities that pupils were benefitting from, including engaging with employers, developing skills and confidence and experiencing the world of work.

Inspectors also commended senior pupils for being “confident” and “responsible” citizens. 
Education Scotland stated that they were “confident” that the school could improve and they would be making no further visits on the back of the inspection. 

Headteacher Ian Adair said: “We are very proud of the hard work that children, staff, parents and partners put into our school. 

“Developing the young workforce is a great strength at Inverkeithing and we are very pleased this has been highlighted by our inspection team. 

“The report has also highlighted areas where we can continue to improve and we aim to consider these carefully as part of our ongoing school improvement work.”

Inverkeithing High School Parent Partnership Group chair, Gillian Cormack, commented: “We are pleased that the inspection team has recognised that our school is a place where we have confident and responsible young people. 

“As parents and carers, we support the school in its journey forward and both the parent community and the wider community have confidence in – and great aspirations for – Inverkeithing High.”

Deborah Davidson, of Fife Council, added: “We are pleased to see the school has been given recognition for the positive work that is taking place with the pupils, staff and wider school community. 

"We will continue to work in collaboration with the school to address areas for improvement.”