A LOCAL school has been praised for its calm and supportive environment and the headteacher's effective leadership following an inspection.

A number of strengths were highlighted at Alloa Academy by Education Scotland following a visit in January.

The report, published on April 23, also identified three areas for improvement for the secondary school.

The academy received a grade of “good”, or 4 on a scale of 1-6, for “leadership of change” – an indicator focusing on collaborative leadership at all levels to develop a shared vision for change and improvement.

Inspectors said the headteacher, Mr Steven McGuckin who has been in post since August 2022, is "highly regarded by the school community” and drives forward change “relentlessly”.

Learning, teaching and assessment was graded “satisfactory”, 3, with inspectors highlighting that there is a “calm and supportive learning environment throughout the school”.

Staff-led improvement groups are helping with learning, teaching and assessment while in most classes, the young people were found to be attentive and ready to learn.

A grade of “very good”, or 5, was given to the school for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion at the academy.

Inspectors said Mr McGuckin and senior leaders place a very strong emphasis on treating every young person as an individual with a clear focus on embedding a nurturing and empathetic approach.

The school was graded “satisfactory” in raising attainment and achievement.

Mr McGuckin said: “I am delighted with many positives that have been highlighted in this report.

“I am incredibly grateful to all members of the Alloa Academy community for working together to achieve this result.

“We will keep working together to ensure our pupils continue to thrive and our school goes from strength to strength.”

The report also highlighted that young people do not have access to a school library or librarian since a decision was taken to remove this provision.

On the other hand, the Academy was praised for developing an active travel partnership, understood to be with FEL Scotland, to develop cycle skills and more.

In terms of areas for improvement, senior leaders should support staff to use a range of appropriate evidence to measure the impact of improvements while staff should consider how to improve the pace and depth of learning.

The report added: “Staff should focus on improving the quality of young people’s attainment, especially as young people progress through the school.”

Cllr Graham Lindsay, education spokesperson, said: “There is much to be proud of in this inspection report and I am particularly pleased to see the school’s work on wellbeing and inclusion, the nurturing support offered to families and the effective leadership being singled out for praise.

“I look forward to working in partnership on the journey ahead, making sure each and every young person at Alloa Academy fulfils their potential.”