The Scottish Government has intervened at Hermitage Academy – offering support and advice during the school's internal review.

The school has an unconventional exam system, with no pupils sitting exams in fourth year, but instead spending two years working towards Highers. 

Parents and critics of the system have expressed fears that the system is failing pupils and concerns have been raised locally by teachers’ unions.

Last month, it was announced an independent review would take place, carried out by the school and Argyll and Bute Council.

However, a spokeswoman for Education Scotland confirmed it was helping "contribute challenge, knowledge and advice" during the review.

Results of the review are expected within weeks, to be discussed at the council’s Community Services Committee meeting in December.

Helensburgh and Lomond’s MSP Jackie Baillie lodged a question at Holyrood asking the Scottish Government's position on whether there should be an independent reviewask the government’s position on whether there should be an independent review. 

In response, Angela Constance, education secretary, said she was "monitoring the situation and review closely", adding if further action was required she would "make sure" it is undertaken so pupils’ futures are "not compromised".

Ms Baillie saidtold the Advertiser she was ‘pleased’ with Angela Constance, at the news.

She added: “The parents I spoke to were clear that they had no confidence in the council’s own internal review so I hope that Education Scotland’s involvement in the process will help shine a light on what went so badly wrong with the new exam system at Hermitage Academy.

“The focus now must be on what the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council can do to ensure that current and future pupils will be able to reach their full potential. 

“I know that many parents are demanding the reintroduction of exams in S4 for those pupils who would benefit and I hope that the review will give this serious consideration.

“The reality is that S4 and S5 pupils are due to sit prelims soon and parents say that they are already behind on much of the coursework. 

“We need action right now before other pupils are let down.”

An Education Scotland spokeswoman told the Advertiser: “We’re working closely with the local authority and Hermitage Academy to contribute challenge, knowledge and advice to the council’s internal review of the senior phase curriculum at Hermitage Academy. 

"We have made a commitment to provide on-going support to both the local authority and the school in order to offer an independent perspective, as well as advice around best practice, parental engagement and assessment.

“We will continue to work closely with Hermitage Academy so that the approaches taken by the school support all young people’s opportunities to gain appropriate achievements including qualifications.”