Education Scotland has recognised continued improvements at Peebles High School, which were found to be working well in supporting young people’s learning and achievements.
After reviewing all the evidence, Education Scotland are now confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and will make no further visits in connection with the inspection report of January 2024.
Education Scotland published an initial report on the secondary school which set out a number of areas for improvement.
Positive progress
A further visit was made in January 2025, where inspectors worked closely with the headteacher and staff and found positive progress had been made since their initial inspection.
Staff have improved the planning of learning, teaching, and assessment in the Broad General Education. Staff use the Peebles High School Learning and Teaching Framework effectively which is leading to greater consistency in the quality of learning and teaching. Senior leaders have successfully developed and implemented a school wide system for checking young people’s progress.
Senior leaders have made significant progress in how they identify and address young people’s individual learning needs. Teachers use feedback from young people and parents to target improvements within this area.
Senior leaders, staff, young people, and the Parent Council are reviewing the curriculum offer to support more young people to follow pathways suited to their needs and interests. This includes an improved course choice process.
The interim headteacher is highly regarded across the school community and is supported well by staff. He is successfully identifying improvement priorities and leading change. Staff, young people, and parents feel that senior leaders are approachable, visible, and ambitious for improving the school.
Senior leaders and staff have developed more effective systems and processes to raise the attainment and achievement of young people.
The full report on Peebles High School is available here: Peebles High School | Inspection Report | Education Scotland and highlights the progress made in several areas.
Headteacher Kevin Ryalls, who has now been made permanent headteacher:
“I am very pleased that Education Scotland have recognised the progress we have made as a school community. We have a bright future ahead of us by working together under the One Peebles vision and we will press forward to build on the progress we have made so far.
“I am very grateful for all the support, honesty, and dedication from the community to keep working towards making our school a brilliant place for everybody to learn and work. We can look forward with confidence and optimism as we move into our fantastic new building. This gives us a chance to enjoy and flourish and develop a fantastic learning environment for all”.
Ellie Johnstone, Parent Council Chair:
“The Parent Council welcome the publication of the report, following the recent inspection. We have consistently encouraged the wider parent body to engage in the process and were pleased to see the inclusion of the parent voice. We are committed to working in partnership with the school to achieve the best experience and outcomes for all our young people”.