A school in one of the most economically deprived areas of Scotland has been rated by inspectors as among the best in the country.
Castlemilk High School in Glasgow receives six ratings of "excellent" out of 17 areas in the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education today. That is the most recorded by any school in Glasgow and the second-highest rating ever recorded.
The school, which has more than half of its pupils registered for free school meals, was praised for its learning environment and improvement efforts. The inspectors rated it excellent for care, welfare and development, expectations and promoting achievement, equality and fairness, success in involving parents, developing partnerships and leadership and improvement and change.
Another eight categories were ranked very good, two were measured as good and only one adequate.
The school has low attainment rates for exam results compared to the rest of Scotland but has made improvements in the past two years, particularly with standard grade performance.
Headteacher Brian McAlinden said the school has been on a mission to instil in pupils a desire to increase and fulfil their potential.
He said: "We have been trying to lift ambition and expectation. Results are improving and attendance is improving and the quality of teaching is improving.
"We know where we are going and we will not be deflected from that. We have been searching for excellence, and staff, pupils and parents now have high standards."
Key strengths identified in the report included the positive impact on improving the lives of pupils, the vibrant sense of community, and the outstanding leadership of the headteacher with very strong support from many staff.
The school, which was made a School of Ambition in 2003 by the Scottish Executive under the previous administration, moved into a new building in 2002.
Senior pupils at the 442-roll school were delighted with the report.
Sixth-year pupil Danielle McIlroy, 17, who is awaiting the results of two Highers, said: "This is fantastic. It is a really good school and all the teachers are very supportive.
"They do everything they can for you."
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