Doon Academy HMIE report is a positive reflection on young people and school

The Education Scotland inspection team had published a letter on Doon Academy in March 2024, setting out required improvements that had been agreed with the school and the Council. During the return visit, which took place before the summer break, the inspectors engaged with the young people from all age groups and worked closely with Head Teacher Martin Robertson and his staff.

The inspectors reported the improvements achieved by the school including recognition that the Head Teacher and his staff had been working well together to develop a stronger culture of learning. They noted that there was enthusiasm for change and improvements to learning and teaching; while the young people felt that their teachers knew them well and adapted learning to meet their needs.

The senior leadership team, with all staff and with input from young people, have developed ‘Five Components of an Effective Lesson’ framework, which supports staff and young people to have a clearer understanding of what constitutes an effective lesson. This has helped young people become more aware of how they can be successful in their learning.

Inspectors also assessed improvements in attainment for all young people, with a particular focus on numeracy. The senior leadership team at the school has recently introduced a broad general education (BGE) monitoring and tracking tool and have prioritised additional class support focusing on literacy and numeracy. They have also led an audit of BGE courses and the courses have been mapped to reflect national standards. Senior phase curriculum has also been reviewed and changes made to course options, which teachers are enthusiastically supporting, and young people studying SQA Higher courses have enjoyed increased dedicated teaching periods.

Interim attainment data, which was available to the school in August, shows that there has been a 25% increase in young people achieving five or more qualifications at SCQF Level 5, a 30% increase at Level 4 and a 44% increase at Level 3.

While at S5 there has been a 9% increase (from 2% to 11%) in young people achieving five or more qualifications at SCQF Level 6, a 12% increase in young people achieving three or more Highers and a 7% increase in young people achieving one or more Higher.

Within the Broad General Education there have been significant improvements in attainment in Literacy and Numeracy in S3.  In the June 2025 National Survey in Literacy 78% of young people in S3 achieved Level 3 (25% increase in 2 years) and 48% of young people achieved Level 4 (38% increase in 2 years). 

In Numeracy, 83% of young people in S3 achieved Level 3 (26% increase in 2 years) and 67% of young people achieved Level 4 (43% increase in 2 years).

Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, said: “The HMIE report focuses on the improvements achieved by the school since their last inspection and I would like to congratulate the school on driving forward positive change in such a short period of time.

“It is important that we recognise the significant impact that Head Teacher Martin Robertson has had since he joined Doon Academy in March 2024. He has created a culture of ambition, teamwork and improvement that will ensure outcomes for our young people continue to improve.

“Education is about preparing our young people for the future - for further learning, for work and for life. The improvements highlighted in the report and the subsequent performance of young people in their exams is fantastic news, and I am really looking forward to visiting the school next month so that I can congratulate Head Teacher Martin Robertson, his team and the young people in person.”

Martin Robertson, Doon Academy Head Teacher said: “Our school’s report is the result of teamwork and collaboration. The young people are at the centre of every decision the school takes, they are our highest priority. I am so pleased for my whole team that the inspectors recognised the improvement work that has been carried out to date and the confidence they have expressed in the decisions taken and changes that have been introduced.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the Doon Academy staff for their hard work and dedication to our young people. The inspectors noted our young people felt a strong feeling of community and safety in their school with respectful and caring relationships valued by staff.

“We know that we are on a journey and are ambitious to continually improve. Our aim is to ensure that our young people achieve their very best and we are committed to ensuring that this is possible through opportunities both within school and within the community.”