“Some important weaknesses were identified in the leadership and management of the school” - the haunting phrase from HMIE reports which heads dread.
It was the turn lately of Lochaber High in Fort William to be so judged.
Donnie Campbell, the head, had a vision for the school, it seems, but had not been fully successful in communicating this to staff and gaining their support. Depute heads did not operate coherently as a team. Ouch.
What’s more, senior management links with departments were “insufficiently challenging or supportive”. There were important weaknesses in the way the school evaluated its work, HMIE thundered.
Nothing daunted, rector Campbell commented: “We’re pleased the inspection has recognised our much improved attainment, our wide range of extra-curricular activities and the good teaching and learning. This is all made possible by a hard-working, committed staff.”
His favourite tune, presumably, is “Always look on the bright side of life”.