EDUCATION inspectors have announced that a four-year watching brief at Galashiels Academy is finally over.

The school was slammed by the government's watchdog body during 2013 after attainment levels had nose-dived.

Performance levels and satisfying the learning needs of pupils were both branded 'weak' by the HMIe.

And staff at the secondary were ordered to raise expectations, improve attainment, develop a culture of inclusion and provide consistency in teaching.

Follow-up visits have continued ever since to monitor standards.

Towards the end of last year, following continued progress within the classrooms, it was decided to end the additional inspections.

Kevin Ryalls, who became headteacher at the start of 2015, is delighted with the announcement by HMIe. He said: “We are very pleased with the progress we are making as a school and have already identified strategies to develop further.

"Our focus will continue to be on improving outcomes for our fantastic young people by creating a learning environment where they can flourish.

"We value our young people as individuals, provide a wide range of opportunities and emphasise the importance of effort and challenge.

“I would like to thank all staff, parents, carers, the community and, of course, our young people for their enthusiasm and hard work.

"We look forward to the future with confidence and optimism.”

HMIe inspectors had found improvement in learning experiences during a visit at the start of 2015.

They noted that there had also been a positive shift in the culture and ethos at the school with most young people enjoying their education and appearing keen to learn.

More recently they have reported further improvements including an increased focus on self-evaluation and expectations being raised for all, with staff committed to improving the outcomes for young people.

They also praised the headteacher for developing a strong vision for improvement with effective support from his deputes and staff.

Inspectors also found the school to now have a strong sense of community and steady improvement in attainment at S3 and S4 in particular, with measures being put in place to increase performance at all levels for 2016-17.

Parents were sent letters this week highlighting the positive recent inspections.

Chair of the Galashiels Academy parent council, Mark Timmins, is delighted with the progress being made.

He told us: “The parent council is pleased that HMIe has recognised the strong continuing development of the school and more importantly, the aspiration of the young people to succeed and achieve.

"We look forward to continuing to help the school to achieve positive results and destinations for the young people attending Galashiels Academy.”