ROTHESAY Joint Campus and pre-five unit has received a positive report from education inspectors after a follow-up visit.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland conducted its initial visit in August 2025, highlighting a range of areas for improvement at the school.
Inspectors returned in June, and have reported that progress has been made – but another inspection may take place.
Although several points have been addressed, concerns have remained over raising attainment at the school.
A report published by the inspectorate, distributed to parents and carers, said: “Staff, children, young people, and parents now share higher aspirations and expectations for children and young people’s success. Senior leaders consulted widely to identify the values which were important to the school community.
“Together, they created a shared vision of a safe, caring, and welcoming school where every child can thrive. They promote inspiring, creative, and connected learning that prepares learners for life.
“The head teacher works very well with senior leaders to define clear remits for all leaders. Senior and middle leaders share an ethos of shared responsibility and collaboration.
“Almost all middle leaders have engaged in local authority leadership training and feel more confident in their roles. All leaders use regular leadership meetings to help drive and maintain a strong pace of improvement.
“Children, young people, and staff share a clear understanding of the school vision to belong, learn, and thrive. This supports positive relationships and wellbeing.
“Children and young people speak positively about how staff promote values such as kindness, respect, resilience, creativity, and ownership. Children and young people understand their responsibilities fully and demonstrate the values well in daily interactions.
“Across the school, children and young people understand the language of wellbeing. Primary teachers use the language of wellbeing consistently effectively to identify and meet children’s needs.
“Secondary staff are developing well their use of wellbeing indicators to support young people. This is beginning to help all staff to create a shared approach to children and young people’s wellbeing.”
In relation to raising attainment, the report added: “Across the school there has been insufficient progress made in this area for improvement. All teachers need to work together to develop a clear strategy to raise attainment at all levels.
“Senior leaders and staff work well together to build a more aspirational culture across the school. Children and young people say staff encourage them to achieve their best.
“Teachers are improving their use of data to plan children and young people’s learning and identify those who require additional support. All staff now have a greater focus on improving outcomes for all children and young people.
“Staff understand the challenges faced by children and young people, including financial hardship. They provide sensitive support and targeted interventions to address gaps in learning.
“Teachers now track progress more consistently. Staff are beginning to reduce the poverty-related attainment gap.”
The report added: “The school has made positive progress since the original inspection. We will ask for a report on progress for the area for improvement related to raising attainment within 12 months of the inspection.
“This report will inform any decision made by HM Inspectors regarding further engagement. This may include another inspection visit.
“When such a decision is made, we will write to you again detailing the improvements the school has made and outlining any further action, agreed with Argyll and Bute Council that we intend to take.”
