Inspectors rate primary school 'weak' and urge improvement

An Aberdeenshire primary school has been rated as weak, with a report saying staff should raise attainment in literacy and numeracy.

Inspectors visited Keig School, near Alford, in June and found that the majority of pupils are not sufficiently challenged in their learning.

HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE) rated the school as "weak" in learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement.

Inspectors will return to carry out a further inspection of the school, which had 49 pupils last year, in June 2027.

The HMIE said that teachers do form positive and supportive relationships with pupils but they must ensure any identified gaps in learning are addressed.

According to the report, the staff must take prompt and planned action to ensure children's progress and experiences can be tracked more effectively.

The school staff must also ensure all children are learning at appropriate pace.

Aberdeenshire Council said Keig school was committed to making the improvements required by the inspectors.

A spokesperson added: "The headteacher and staff are working in partnership with the Aberdeenshire Council and progress has already been made towards meeting the requirements and areas for improvement set out in the report.

"Everyone involved is committed to making improvements that meet the needs of every child and help them achieve their best outcomes."