Forres Academy report released by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education

Fewer than a third of parents and carers of pupils at a Moray secondary are satisfied with the standard of teaching - and a similar fraction would recommend the school to others.

School inspectors compiling the third report on Forres Academy in two years noted improvements, but recommended more changes before a further inspection in the next 18 months.

Forres Academy was initially given a year to make the improvements in April, 2023 - His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HMIE) then made the unusual decision to extend the improvement period for another year in April, 2024.

Following the latest inspection report, head teacher, Mrs Jan Sinclair said: “We’re moving in the right direction and remain focused on delivering the best outcomes for every young person in our school.”

The 2025 assessment confirms the school remains on the right path, however, HM Inspector, Graham Parry, has reiterated that the Academy must improve across all areas.

He said: “The school must improve the strategic leadership of change. The leaders needs to focus on improving outcomes for their learners. Senior and middle leaders have made some progress with improvements but with important aspects requiring further development.”

He added: “Senior leaders have developed their improvement planning processes. The school improvement plan now focuses well on the areas that matter most.”

A pre-inspection questionnaire was carried out with 520 pupils, 176 parents and carers, 10 teachers and 11 pupil support staff.

A low number of pupils (24.81 per cent) agreed that the school takes their views into account or deals well with bullying (22.5 per cent).

The survey for parents and carers also highlights perceived issues with bullying; just 18.75 per cent agree that the school deals well the issue.

The figure is higher for teachers but still relatively low at one third of respondents (35.72 per cent) agreeing.

However, of the interviewed pupil support staff - generally far more critical of the school - just 17.65 agree that bullying is dealt with effectively.

Inspectors have encouraged the school to strengthen its anti-bullying approach to ensure all pupils feel safe and supported.

Support staff appear to feel left out in a number of respects: only 17.64 per cent agreed that they get to agree priorities for the school; with the same figure for staff communicating effectively with each other and effectively engaging parents in their child's learning.

Few support staff (11.76 per cent) also agree that pupils are involved in planning or leading learning.

Perhaps most damning of all, just 32.39 per cent of parents agree to feeling satisfied with the quality of teaching and 36.93 agree that the school is well led and managed.

A further total of 36.93 agree to feeling satisfied with Forres Academy and only 32.96 agree that they would recommend it.

However, Moray Council is focused on the positives, highlighting ongoing steps to improve leadership, learning and teaching, wellbeing support and pupil attainment.

Chief education officer, Vivienne Cross, said: “It’s encouraging to see Education Scotland acknowledge several important improvements and to express confidence in the school’s capacity to continue making progress.

“Staff and leaders have taken forward key activities to support pupils as part of the new timetable and induction period.

“We remain committed to supporting the school to build on this progress and ensure the best outcomes for all learners.”

The report highlights improved planning and leadership across the school. A new school vision, developed in partnership with the staff, pupils and parents, is said to be helping to provide a clearer sense of direction and purpose.

Teachers have introduced a new guide called ‘Forres Academy Learning and Teaching Essentials’, which the report claims is creating more consistent routines.

Young people spoke to the inspectors positively about the wellbeing support available, including nurture spaces, peer-led initiatives and lunchtime clubs.

Ongoing work to raise attainment, particularly in the senior phase, was also mentioned in the report. New systems are helping staff track progress more effectively and identify where extra support is needed.

Forres Academy’s head teacher, Jan Sinclair, said she was pleased Education Scotland recognised progress made so far, as well as the commitment of staff and pupils.

She said: “We know there’s more to do, and we’re continuing to build on the improvements already underway. I’d like to thank all staff, parents and carers for their ongoing support.”

Mr Parry finished: “The school has made progress since the original inspection. We will liaise with Moray Council regarding its capacity to improve.”

For more information see https://education.gov.scot/inspection-and-review/find-an-inspection-report/find-an-inspection-report/details?id=2629