Castlemilk High’s report published today, was the best ever for a Glasgow secondary school with six ‘excellent’ ratings out of 17 categories. 

The areas in which the school received the ‘excellent’ score were care, welfare and development, expectations and promoting achievement, equality and fairness, success in involving parents, developing partnerships and leadership of improvement and change.  Of the remaining 11 indicators eight were rated ‘very good’, two ‘good’ and one ‘adequate’.

Amongst the key strengths of the school commended in the HMIE report were its improvement of pupils’ life opportunities, its sense of community, high expectations and the strong leadership shown by the headteacher.  The school is located in one of Scotland’s most economically deprived areas with more than half of its 442 pupils registered for free school meals. 

Brian McAlinden, headteacher of Castlemilk High for the last seven years expressed his delight about the glowing report.  He said: “We are absolutely delighted that this impressive report highlights the significant successes that the young people of Castlemilk High are achieving through the excellent support of parents and staff.

“It is great credit to the hard work of everyone connected with the school. Pupils, parents, staff and the wider community are justifiably proud of our school."

Castlemilk School was made a School of Ambition in 2005 and gained Investors in People status, resulting in significant investment in staff development and the quality of teaching at the school getting a special mention in the report.

Bailie Gordon Matheson, Executive Member of Education and Social Renewal, today congratulated everyone associated with Castlemilk High.

Matheson said: “I am extremely proud of Castlemilk High School.  This is an inspiring report and follows a series of excellent inspections in Glasgow schools.  This proves once again that you do not need to live in the leafy suburbs to enjoy excellent education.

”The leadership in the school is outstanding and is demonstrated at all levels - by staff and young people alike.  I am also thrilled by the quality and range of the curriculum on offer at Castlemilk High, including a very strong vocational element.”