A LEADING Scottish private school "distressed" some of its pupils by sending them letters outlining the academic grades required to stay on, according to a report.

The concerns were raised after an inspection of Albyn School, in Aberdeen, by national schools body Education Scotland.

The inspection found most families were happy with the levels of support from the school, but added: "A few learners have been distressed by letters..... relating to attainment standards expected.

"The school needs to ensure that, as they have done in the past, young people are supported and challenged to improve in a positive manner which does not have an adverse impact on their health and wellbeing."

The intervention came after letters were sent to parents of fourth year pupils deemed to have under-performed in preliminary exams outlining the standards expected for those wishing to continue into fifth year.

Education Scotland also raised a number of additional concerns about Albyn, which charges fees of up to £11,500 a year, which need to be dealt with "as a matter of urgency".

The report said: "The governors, the headmaster and the school senior management team need to take immediate action to improve their policies and procedures for safeguarding and child protection.

"The governors and the school management team need to take immediate action to strengthen governance arrangements, the professional leadership development of all and to improve support and challenge in these areas."

The report said some parents, staff and learners had "ongoing concerns" over low morale and lack of confidence in leadership adding: "These are still to be resolved successfully."

Dr Ian Long, headmaster at Albyn, said: "I am pleased the report recognised the continued efforts and progress made to deliver a number of enhancements across all areas of the school.

"Staff work together to ensure that pupils are able to thrive within a stimulating environment that will support and assist them in reaching their full potential whilst in our care."

In a separate inspection report Merchiston Castle, in Edinburgh, was also urged to make immediate improvements to the way it supports pupils.

The report stated: "While the school has taken steps to provide a safe and caring environment, there remain important weaknesses in relation to the approaches to..... meeting the social, emotional and behavioural needs of children.

"A small minority of pupils indicated..... staff were not good at dealing with bullying behaviour. The school should continue with plans to tackle this agenda."

Andrew Hunter, headmaster of Merchiston, where annual fees top £21,000 for a day, said: "Whilst we're pleased with our customary strong performance in the vast majority of categories, we're clearly disappointed with the drop in our usual high rankings for care and support, which we unsuccessfully appealed.

"We've made a great deal of progress in the six months between these inspections and are dedicating very significant resources to ensure these areas are brought into line with the highest standards we all demand at Merchiston Castle.

"We are working in partnership with Education Scotland to address the areas they have identified and are very confident that our future scores will reflect the improvements we have made."

Inspectors will return to both schools in the coming months to check on progress.