School given glowing HMI report

St Andrew's was awarded an unprecedented five excellent ratings

Inspectors have given an outstanding report to a school in one of Glasgow's most disadvantaged areas.

St Andrew's Secondary in Carntyne received a better report than one issued last week to private school, Hutchesons' Grammar.

The inspectors judged St Andrews as either "excellent" or "very good" against almost all yardsticks.

The headteacher said the school's success was due to high standards and a close relationship with pupils.

Glasgow usually records the poorest exam results in the country.

Our school motto of Putting Young People First has well and truly been recognised in this outstanding report Headteacher Bruce Malone CBE

Observers often suggest poverty predetermines poor grades.

St Andrews has almost three times the national average of families on benefits.

The inspectors said exam results were not rising significantly but were better than those in equally tough areas.

The school, with a roll of 1549 pupils, received an unprecedented five "excellent" ratings.

Of the remaining 14 quality indicators, 12 were rated "very good" and two were rated "good".

No aspects were found to be "adequate", "weak" or "unsatisfactory".

'Very highest expectations'

Bruce Malone CBE has been the headteacher at the school for 15 years.

He said: "Our number one priority in partnership with staff, pupils and parents is to deliver the highest quality of teaching and learning possible in every classroom in a climate of safety, trust and rigour.

"In this climate, all should be committed to the improvement of the life chances for our great young people and success for all.

READ THE REPORT HMIE St Andrew's Secondary [124KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

"I am absolutely delighted for every part of our school community, this report is a truly wonderful accolade.

"Our school motto of Putting Young People First has well and truly been recognised in this outstanding report."

Mr Malone was awarded the CBE in 1997 for outstanding services to education.

Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell said: "This wonderful report just shows what can be achieved in a school in a less well-off area.

"It tells us that there is no reason at all that every part of Glasgow, every school, can deliver such excellent results.

"I am absolutely determined that we raise the standards of all of our schools in Glasgow so that no-one is left behind."

In 2005, of 259 pupils who left St Andrew's, 24% went on to higher education, 27% to further education, 11% to training and 28% into employment.