Helensburgh's Hermitage Academy has been given a glowing report by education inspectors, after a visit to the school by HMiE officials earlier this year.

The report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI) praised the school for all aspects of the education it provides, and found every area of school life to be either 'very good' or 'good'.

Amongst the particular strengths highlighted by the inspectors pupils' very positive attitudes to learning, and their sense of pride in the school and its achievements

The contributions young people make to the local and wider community through volunteering was praised, along with the high quality of engagement by the school with an extensive range of partners

Senior staff at the school were praised for the "leadership and sense of direction provided by the head teacher and the senior leadership team."

The inspectors also noted that staff know the pupils very well and that they are encouraged to work hard, behave well and develop positive attitudes.

Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute's spokesperson for Education and Lofelong Learning, praised the efforts of everyone at the school.

"This is a very good report, and I warmly congratulate all those who have worked so hard to make Hermitage Academy the successful school that it is," she said.

"Everyone associated with the school - staff, pupils, parents and the wider community - works extremely hard to ensure that Hermitage Academy is a happy and successful place in which to learn and teach, and I'm very pleased that these efforts have been recognised."

Academy pupils were identified as having high expectations of themselves both in and beyond school, something reflected in attainment at Higher, Advanced Higher and Intermediate levels, where they performed consistently above, or well above, national averages.

Hermitage head teacher Geoff Urie said: "I am delighted with the report, which highlights the many strengths of the school.

"I am particularly pleased that it recognises the impact of the hard work and commitment of the staff in providing a first class education.

"It is a report that the whole school and the community can be extremely proud of, especially the very positive statements about the pupils and their attitudes to learning and sense of pride in their school. I look forward to ensuring that Hermitage Academy builds on this report and continues to strive for excellence."

The inspectors observed that the school has a clear vision based on preparing young people to be successful throughout their time in school and in later life, promoting high expectations and aspirations for all.

Overall, inspectors commended the work of both pupils and staff and acknowledge that the innovations and improvements undertaken within Hermitage Academy inspire strong and well-founded confidence in the school's capacity to continue to progress.

Two of those pupils are Fraser Baird and Heather York, both S6. Fraser said: "Being a part of Hermitage Academy fills me with pride. The evaluations made in the HMIe report were outstanding and emphasise that our school truly is a school of champions!"

Heather added: "As a pupil of Hermitage Academy I feel the report from the HMIe inspectors was an accurate representation of the many strengths of our school, which I am proud to be a part of."

Congratulations to everyone at Hermitage Academy - post your comments and messages here on s1helensburgh