HMiE Inspection report
In January 2019, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Bathgate Academy. During their visit, they talked to parents/carers and young people and worked closely with the staff.
The inspection team found the following strengths in the school's work.
The effective leadership of the headteacher, ably supported by his deputes, taking forward improvements in the school. The school's vision, values and aims are ambitious, inclusive and shared across its community. These are being used effectively to underpin the positive ethos. The culture of collegiality drives all aspects of change and improvement.
The highly motivated staff who work well together across the school and are supportive of young people. This is sustaining a learning environment where young people are eager to learn and enthusiastic about their school.
The supportive environment is helping young people to feel valued and included in aspects of school life. Young people have a good understanding of their wellbeing. They appreciate the opportunities to discuss matters that affect them and are able to influence decision making within the school.
The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and representatives from West Lothian Council.
Continue to build on the procedures for leading school improvement. Make sure there are a few well focussed priorities that everyone across the school will be involved in implementing. This will support greater consistency in experiences for young people, leading to better outcomes.
Young people would benefit from an increase in the pace at which they learn. There should also be a particular focus in the broad general education, on the challenge provided in learning. Teachers should ensure that learning is appropriate to the needs of each learner.
Staff should continue to prioritise raising attainment across all stages. The use of available data will help to target support as well as ensure the right courses at the right levels are offered in the senior phase. Coupled with the school's renewed focus on teaching and learning, these efforts should lead to increased attainment for all.
A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) and other information is available on the Education Scotland website at:
HMiE Inspection report January 2019 (opens new window)
Share this page
