GRYFFE High has become the first secondary school in Scotland to get an ‘excellent’ grade under the government’s short model inspection format.

A team from Education Scotland visited the Houston school earlier this year to speak to staff, pupils and parents – and has now issued a glowing report over the standard of the work they found.

The school was rated as ‘very good’ for learning, teaching and assessment and as ‘excellent’ for raising attainment and achievement – the highest grade on the six-point scale.

That is the first time the top grade has been given to a secondary school under Education Scotland’s short model inspection format, which judges them on two quality indicators, as opposed to four under the full inspection model.

The one area of improvement identified was around building on the work already being done to improve the reliability of assessment evidence in S1 to S3 pupils, to help teachers set tasks and activities at the right level.

The school also had self-evaluation verified as ‘excellent’ by Renfrewshire Council on two other quality indicators – leadership of change and improving wellbeing, equality and inclusion.

Gryffe High headteacher Colin Johnson told The Gazette: “To say I am proud of our pupils and staff is a complete understatement.

“To be the headteacher of a school where the pupils, day in day out, impress with their enthusiasm, drive and persistence is an absolute pleasure and privilege.

“Even over the very difficult last few months, our pupils remained positive, thoughtful and supportive of one another and I have been amazed at the lengths they have gone to in supporting others.

“Our pupils’ efforts and achievements are outstanding, supported by dedicated staff, supportive parents and carers and close links with a wide range of external partners.”

Lewis Da Silva, who was last year’s school captain, said he is “proud” to be able to say he went to Gryffe High.

“It’s an amazing school,” said Lewis. “I will miss the learning side and the social side.”

This year’s school captain, Rachael Bell, added: “We get great support from teachers and pupils. We have lots of societies and clubs and, even if there isn’t one, they will help you set it up.”

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