Staff and pupils at Our Lady and St Patrick's High School in Dumbarton have been celebrating after the school was awarded three "excellent" ratings and two "very goods" in a report by school inspectors.

The school was also praised for the outstanding leadership of Charles Rooney, the headteacher.

Inspectors found pupils learned very well and were highly motivated, while their achievement was consistently above the national average and much better than schools serving areas with similar levels of deprivation.

Staff have very high expectations of standards and quality of work, which promotes a strong culture of achievement among pupils, the report found.

Mr Rooney said: “We are obviously very pleased with the report.  It clearly captures the values that are at the heart of the school. The inspection formally recognises the hard work, commitment and professionalism of staff in encouraging young people to achieve their potential.  Working in close partnership with parents and learners, we are committed to building on our strengths.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and everyone associated with the school for their continued support; support which is central to our success.

“We believe that the report, not only, reflects well on staff, our students and parents, but also on West Dunbartonshire as a whole.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, Megan Christie, head girl, said, “As a student of Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School I have enormous pride in the school.  I am personally therefore very pleased that the school has received the recognition of such a good report.

Megan continued: “The school places a very strong emphasis in encouraging a strong sense of community and I see this as a major strength of the school. As students we are supported by our teachers who offer us every encouragement.

"We are also actively involved in developing aspects of school life.  We are always reminded that it is our school and that we should use our talents to the full in making the school even better.”

You can see the report in full here.

And see the school website here.

Congratulations to everyone at the school! Post your comments and have your say here on s1dumbarton