Nicolson Institute inspector’s report 30/8/11
School inspectors have reported pupils at the Nicolson Institute are polite and well-
Inspector Jane Renton said students have good learning experiences, overall, both
in lessons and through a wide range of out-
Guidance and support for learning staff were found to have had a positive impact on the learning and wellbeing of pupils
However, the Nicolson requires to apply a more focused and determined approach to
improve young people’s learning and achievement across the school. Sometimes pupils
are not fully engaged in their learning when lessons are too teacher-
Teachers are delivering aspects of geography, history and science through the medium of Gaelic in S1. Inspectors urged the school to speed up introducing Gaelic medium education and to strengthen Gaelic ethos and culture across the school.
The school doesn’t have reliable information on young people’s progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of S2. Though the number of S6 pupils achieving an Advanced Higher award is above the national average there are “important weaknesses” in the school’s overall exams performance from S4 to S6.
Ms Renton says the new head teacher, Frances Murray, has made a very strong start to improving relationships, communication and consultation in the school.
There are high levels of optimism for stability and improvement with a full, permanent senior management team in place after a long period of frequent staff turnover and temporary posts.
Inspectors will return next year to see if weaknesses have improved.
Education chair Morag Munro said: “We are pleased that the report has identified the positive influence that our recently appointed headteacher has had in the school and that Inspectors have also commended the senior management team that is now in place.
“We believe the school and the authority is in strong position to respond to the points raised in this report.”