A Catholic secondary school which counts former Celtic player Tom Boyd and pop star Michelle McManus among its former pupils has been given one of the best ever reports by Scottish schools' inspectors.
St Ambrose High in Coatbridge was given five "excellent" ratings by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), which has only been matched by one other senior school in Scotland since the new ratings were introduced last year.
The school was particularly praised for pastoral care, climate and relationships, the partnerships with parents, the leadership of the headteacher and personal and social development of pupils.
The school was also one of the models used by the Scottish Executive to develop its schools of ambition programme where secondaries are encouraged to develop a specialism.
St Ambrose has been developed as a music comprehensive which led to spectacular results in last year's Higher exams, with 33 out of 35 candidates achieving an "A" pass.
To celebrate the report, former pupils visited St Ambrose yesterday, with Boyd and golfer Clare Queen joining Bernard Fagan, the headteacher.
"This school is at the forefront of delivering a first-class and modern education that works for pupils, staff and parents and gives our young people the best possible start in life," said Mr Fagan.
"I am absolutely delighted for everyone in the school as this is true testament to the efforts and commitment of every single individual at St Ambrose."
Michael O'Neill, North Lanarkshire Council's director of education, described the report as a "terrific achievement" for the school and North Lanarkshire Council, which has been at the forefront of the moves to create "specialist" comprehensives.
"This report recognises the tremendous amount of work that goes into creating a school where young people can grow, flourish and develop into responsible citizens of tomorrow."
Boyd, who captained a St Ambrose football team which won the under-15 Scottish Shield, added: "I keep in touch with my old school, most often to support their health promotion projects and I am always impressed by the very positive atmosphere in the school.
"The large range of activities including football, of course, which are on offer for the kids is very impressive and the school's first-class report is well deserved."
Former Pop Idol winner McManus sent the school a congratulatory message, saying: "A fabulous report for a fabulous school.
"A strong emphasis on the school's musical productions and performances is understandable - I got tremendous support and encouragement while I was a pupil at the school. The input from the music comprehensive has allowed the school to go from strength to strength."
And S6 pupil John Harty, a member of St Ambrose and North Lanarkshire Schools Bands, added: "There is a fantastic balance between extracurricular activities and a focus on doing well in classwork and exams."
Last year, HMIE awarded five "excellent" ratings to St Andrew's Secondary in Carntyne, Glasgow, which serves some of the most deprived communities in the city.
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