EDUCATION inspectors have awarded top marks to a Glasgow school for pupils with learning difficulties and autism.
EDUCATION inspectors have awarded top marks to a Glasgow school for pupils with learning difficulties and autism.
St Aidan's School, in Carntyne, achieved four very goods' and one excellent' award, making it one of the top performing schools of its kind in the country.
The HMIe report praised the strong leadership, the outstanding curriculum and the high achievement displayed by the 81 pupils.
Youngsters with additional support needs, aged between 11 and 18, attend the school and senior pupils are helped to actively prepare to enter the world of work.
Head teacher Gerry McDonald said: "We are obviously delighted with the awards.
"The report is a splendid acknowledgement of the hard work carried out on a daily basis by our dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils.
"The challenge for us now is to maintain and further improve on the standards we have set, and everyone involved will continue to work towards that goal."
Places are offered to children in consultation with the council's education department and psychological services.
St Aidan's won praise for providing a full six year secondary course and allowing senior pupils the chance to attend part time courses in further education colleges.
In the past, the school has teamed up with major employers, such as Asda, Halfords, and Hilton Hotels, to offer vocational work experience placements.
Dr Laura-Ann Curie, HM Inspector, said: "The school ethos is very caring and respectful and young people and staff are treated equally and fairly.
"The teachers have high aspirations for the young people."
Gordon Matheson, executive member for education and social renewal at Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a fantastic report, and I warmly congratulate all those who have worked so hard to make St Aidan's what it is - pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
"My ambition is for every Glasgow school to be achieving excellence, and St Aidan's has now set a benchmark to which others in this sector should aspire - not only in Glasgow but across Scotland."
