GALASHIELS Academy has been given top marks following a visit by education inspectors.

Newly appointed Headteacher Kevin Ryalls dedicated the positive report card to the hard work of his staff and pupils.

And now he revealed he wants to make the Academy a great school for the community.

The visit by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) took place over three days last week and marked the progress of the secondary after a report in June 2013 criticised aspects of the school.

Since then, there has been a change in leadership at the Academy, grades have improved, more pupils are going on to further and higher education, and the school has agreed a new vision for the future.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, Mr Ryalls, who only took up the appointment five days before the inspectors’ visit, said: “It’s tremendously exciting.

“The inspection took place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and was very positive about the culture and ethos of the school.

“What the inspectors picked up on was a feeling of togetherness, a feeling of pride - and they noted an improvement in the classroom.

“They spoke to a wide range of groups and asked pupils what their experience is like and they are finding more aspiration there which is great.” And he added: “It’s a tribute to the staff, they have worked incredibly hard and there is a feeling of celebration around the place at the moment.” Mr Ryalls originally joined the Academy as Depute Head in 2005 before taking on his first Headteacher post at Jedburgh Grammar School at the beginning of 2012.

He is supported by current Depute Heads Iain Anderson, Pauline Anderson and Ross Angus, who took on the role of Acting Headteacher following previous Headteacher Kenny McKay’s departure.

When asked why he returned to the Academy, Mr Ryalls said: “I always felt like this school could be brilliant, that’s what drives me. You want to make an impact on young people’s lives as a teacher, and to keep doing this as Headteacher of the Academy is a huge privilege.

“I was here for six or seven years previously and have a real affection for the place. I got on well with the parents, pupils and staff before and the chance to return to realise its potential is professionally exciting for me.

“The thing that’s inspired me is we approached this (inspection) with confidence - the staff are up for it and the inspectors said the pupils were very impressive young people.

“It was my sixth day they were in but I felt immediately part of the school.” An official report on the follow-up inspection is expected to be published in the coming weeks. And inspectors are said to be satisfied there is no need for a further visit.

However, the new leadership at Galashiels Academy stressed there is always room for improvement.

Mr Ryalls said: “We’ve focused a lot on meeting the needs of learners.

“We recognise that not every person in a single classroom will be at the same level. Staff are pushing pupils more. Everyone will be pushed to achieve the best grades and achievements that they are capable of.” But he added: “What they (inspectors) recommended for improvements moving forward matched the areas we had identified for continuing improvement based on high expectations, being the best at everything we do.

“The big thing I want from the school is ambition and pride. We believe in ourselves, we aim high. We need to be ambitious and put the school on the map, and that’s been reflected in the work of the last year.”