Weak leadership at Inverness High School is obstructing efforts to enhance student attainment in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, according to a recent report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE). The inspection, released on October 3, 2023, criticizes the pace of change and urges for improved strategic planning within the school.
The report acknowledges the positive aspects of teaching, learning, and assessment, crediting senior staff, including headteacher Vikki Forrester, who has been in the role for 18 months. Nevertheless, it highlights significant challenges in improving literacy and numeracy, as well as concerns regarding the school’s approach to wellbeing, equality, and inclusion.
Inverness High School, established in 1937, is located in an art deco building on Montague Row, west of the River Ness. Currently, the school serves just under 500 pupils, drawing its demographic primarily from the Merkinch, Dalneigh, and city centre areas. According to the report, nearly nine out of ten students were classified as living in the lowest fifth of Scotland’s deprived areas as of September 2025. Additionally, about one-third of students were registered for free school meals, and roughly three out of four had additional support needs.
Despite the challenges, the report notes improvements in attendance and a reduction in exclusions, indicating progress in these areas. However, it also points to stagnation in student attainment, particularly compared to the school’s previous standards.
Calls for Strategic Leadership Improvement
The HMIE report identifies a critical need for enhanced strategic leadership within the school. It states, “There is a significant need to improve strategic leadership at all levels across the school.” Senior leaders acknowledge that the pace of change has been insufficient to achieve the desired outcomes for students. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among staff, students, parents, and community partners to accelerate improvements.
Almost all identified priority areas for improvement remain in early stages of development. The report urges senior leaders to reassess their responsibilities and adopt a coordinated approach to strategic leadership, while also staying informed about national standards and effective practices that can bolster the school’s improvement efforts.
The report highlights that senior staff possess a clear understanding of the priorities of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), which aims to equip young people with essential skills for life and work. However, it criticizes the absence of a clear strategic vision or action plan to embed these priorities throughout the school.
Quality of Teaching and Learner Wellbeing Under Review
The quality of teaching and assessment at Inverness High School was rated as “satisfactory” in the report. While staff were commended for fostering positive relationships with students, who exhibit respect and compliance in a calm learning environment, areas requiring improvement were also identified. The majority of teachers provided clear instructions, yet there is a need to better connect lessons with life skills development.
The report notes, “Young people have limited formal opportunities to identify and reflect on their skills.” As a next step, senior leaders should collaborate with students, staff, and partners to create a comprehensive approach to skill development.
Despite a majority of students feeling safe at school and positive relationships being fostered by staff, the report classified the school’s efforts to ensure wellbeing, equality, and inclusion as “weak.” Concerns were raised about a significant minority of students and parents reporting inadequate handling of bullying incidents, as well as the need for improved diversity and equality education.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for Highland Council stated, “The local authority takes any inspection findings seriously and is working closely with the school leadership team to ensure that all necessary steps are in place to support continuous improvement.” The council has emphasized its commitment to providing quality learning environments and has already developed an action plan with the school, focusing on areas identified for improvement.
As Inverness High School navigates these challenges, the path forward will depend on effective leadership and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that every student can thrive in a supportive and enriching educational environment.
