HERMITAGE Academy’s acting head teacher has pledged to try to continue the school’s year-on-year improvement in pass rates.

Reflecting on his first year in charge, Douglas Morgan told councillors that pass rates gave “a very positive picture” for the Helensburgh school.

He also hailed the contribution of the school community for the positive ethos at its Cardross Road building since pupils returned to in-person lessons in March.

Mr Morgan gave the update to an accompanying report at a virtual meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Friday, December 17.

He said: “Although we have faced real challenges from Covid, our school community has stuck together extremely well.

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“They have supported young people and their families, and help them to achieve as highly as possible.

“The report outlines some important information about the school’s performance with pass rates.

"You will be aware that it is difficult to compare 2021 with other years as this used an alternative certification model by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

“But it shows a very positive picture for Hermitage in terms of achievement. We are really proud of this and plan to continue it in the years to come.

“The report also reflects the focus we have placed on wellbeing – not just for young people and their families, but also for our staff.

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"[The phrase] ‘you cannot pour from an empty cup’ has become a bit of a mantra with them.”

Mr Morgan also used his talk to highlight other positive aspects of the past 12 months at the school, including the continuation of blended learning for pupils required to self-isolate.

The uptake of free school meals has also increased and, despite the 2020/21 figure increasing on the previous term, exclusion openings are gradually lessening.

Mr Morgan added: “Blended learning is something we are very much using now that we are back in the building.

"It has helped us create a detailed contingency plan if we need to do it again, but fingers crossed that we do not.

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“You will not be surprised to see the free school meals increase. It is important that our families receive all the support that is available to them and that’s something we are working hard to facilitate.

“You will see that there is an increase in exclusion rates – there were 168 openings, with one opening equalling half a day. I should add that 129 of them were before I took up the post.

“Since then we have embarked on a whole school approach to training, and ensuring positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

“Compared to December 2020, there has been a 49 per cent reduction in openings and I am confident the improving picture will continue through the year.”

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