Langholm Academy in top 20 in Scotland: Team approach from primary upwards leads to school’s success

LANGHOLM Academy has been ranked 19th out of the top 50 state schools in Scotland in a survey compiled by The Herald.
The survey showed that 59 per cent of the pupils taking Highers got five or more.
The benchmark was 49. The benchmark figure is worked out by the Scottish government and shows how well pupils perform compared with similar schools. This is known as the “virtual comparator”.
Ginette Henderson, headteacher of Langholm and Canonbie Schools Cluster, said she was pleased to hear about the academy being placed 19th in the exam league table.
She was also really pleased with the ongoing success at the academy.
She said: “It’s a team approach from the primary upwards. The staff, from early years to the senior years, work really hard to fulfil the promise of our students.
“They support them academically and in all other aspects of education, health and well-being so they can achieve their full potential.
“For myself, it is really reassuring that our clear focus is to achieve our objective in raising attainment and equality for all and this is having such a positive impact.”
The academy does Highers in both fifth and sixth years and Advanced Highers in the sixth year.
It also offers alternative progressive pathways in the form of the National Progressive Awards so some children may take two years to achieve a Higher.
Ms Henderson said: “There are lots of progressive routes which we’ve established this year.
Online
Ms Henderson said: “We’re looking to develop that and do more online learning and have teachers deliver a course online rather than face to face to reduce commuting time.
“We want them to get the same variety of courses as the larger schools do.
“We sent the school development plan to parents last week and from what I’ve heard so far the response has been very positive.”
Ms Henderson said the school worked with many partners to maximise and expand the skills and experiences the pupils had.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning committee said:
“Congratulations to Langholm Academy on being named Scotland’s 19th best secondary school in Scottish School League Table, which ranks the 339 secondary schools in Scotland. This result is testament to all the hard work by pupils and staff and the support from parents, carers and the wider community.”
Colin Cox Chair of the Academy’s parent council said
“This is fantastic news about Langholm and something the town should be very proud of. It really shows what our young peole can achieve and demontrates the high standard of education we have in the Academy.”
Dumfriesshire MSP, Oliver Mundell, praised all at Langholm Academy on their excellent performance in the latest national league tables.
He said “It is fantastic to see Langholm Academy achieving such a high ranking and the pupils and staff receiving well-deserved acknowledgement for their hard work.
Advantages
“Whilst such statistics are interesting, there can be many factors and challenges which influence schools’ exam performance and they should not be judged purely on a set of league tables.
“Schools, like communities, experience advantages and challenges which can change from year to year.”
“However,” Mr Mundell added, “I’m always impressed when I visit schools across my constituency, by the dedication of staff and enthusiasm of pupils.”
Joan McAlpine, South of Scotland SNP MSP, said: “Congratulations to Langholm Academy. This is a fantastic reflection of the hard work of both pupils and teachers – and we shouldn’t forget parents either, because attainment is raised when they are involved. Langholm Academy also has an impressive range of extra-curricular activity, with a variety of sports clubs along with choirs and public speaking. Research shows that this improves exam results because happy, stimulated children are motivated to learn. So well done all round!”
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning (CYPLL) committee said: “Congratulations to Langholm Academy on being named Scotland’s 19th best secondary school in the Scottish School League Table, which ranks the 339 secondary schools in Scotland.
“This result is testament to all the hard work by pupils and staff and the support from parents, carers and the wider community.”