Education / Brae High School given positive inspection report after key improvements
BRAE HIGH School has received a positive follow-up inspection after significant improvements across key areas of the school.
Education Scotland highlighted strong and effective action by the school and Shetland Islands Council to enhance the quality of learning, teaching and leadership during a recent visit to Brae.
It comes after an initial inspection in November 2024, which found a number of areas for improvement.
However, after engaging with children, staff and parents on a repeat visit, Education Scotland said it was pleased with the progress Brae High School had now made.
Inspectors noted strong progress in school self-evaluation, praising senior and middle leaders for working “well and at pace” to strengthen systems that help staff understand performance and priorities.
It said these developments had resulted improved use of data and a shared understanding of what is working well and what still requires attention.
In the nursery, it said the new manager had made encouraging early progress in strengthening approaches to learning, teaching and assessment, including clearer documentation of children’s progress and next steps.
Education inspectors acknowledged the satisfactory progress in improving learning, teaching and assessment. It said a developing culture of ambition and aspiration was taking shape, supported by the school’s new vision, ‘Discovering our True North’ and the introduction of “aspirational learner” characteristics.
Evidence of rising attainment is already emerging, including improvements in writing in the primary school and increased qualification pass rates from National 5 to Advanced Higher.
Education Scotland concluded that Brae High School had made appropriate progress in all key areas, and inspectors are confident in the school’s capacity to continue improving.
No further inspection visits are required. Shetland Islands Council said it would continue to keep parents and carers informed of the school’s progress.
Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said he was “very pleased” to see the improvements that had been made.
He added this “demonstrates the hard work of the head teacher and staff at Brae High School in the last 12 months.”
“I hope the school continues to improve, to the benefit of pupils and the wider school community,” Sandison added.
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