Pentland School is "best of its kind" in Scotland

May 27 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A COATBRIDGE school received stellar praise after earning a gold star in its recent assessment by education inspectors.

Pentland School earned the top rating of “excellent” for improvements in performance.

And the school also had its peacekeeping school initiative and curriculum for excellence noted as examples of good practice by the school inspectors.

The visiting inspector even told head teacher Ian Porteous in a feedback session that he agreed the Townhead school could be considered “the best of its kind in Scotland”.

A total of 30 pupils from all over North Lanarkshire, aged between Primary Four and Seven, attend the Tay Street school which supports youngsters with special social, emotional or behavioural needs.

Inspectors praised their development of literacy, numeracy and social skills and noted that “almost all pupils make outstanding progress”.

They were impressed by the Pentland Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, and varied school activities including the enterprise and eco committees, samba band, residential trips and seasonal fun days.

Particular praise was given to the “outstanding leadership” of the head, depute and principal teachers, high-quality teaching and staff’s expectations of the pupils, attainment in English and maths and the school’s caring and supportive relationships, especially between the youngsters.

Mr Porteous said: “Everyone at the school is absolutely delighted with, and very proud of, the report.

“Being told by the inspectors that Pentland School ‘is the best of its kind in Scotland’ is testimony to the dedication, compassion and competence of all staff and their extraordinary team work.

“It especially pleases me that the inspectors pointed out not only the staff’s but the pupils’ contribution to our very positive learning climate and ethos.”

North Lanarkshire Council’s executive director of learning and leisure, Christine Pollock, said that the local authority were delighted with the report and praised everyone at the school for their contribution.

She continued: “This is an outstanding report for the school.

“The report from the education inspectors undoubtedly highlights the fantastic commitment from staff to the children in their care.

“It is also clear that the report praises the school’s leadership and the pupils’ significant attainment.”

Top marks: pupils at Pentland School in Townhead celebrate their successful HMI report with head teacher Ian Porteous. tdaca120509hmi-1