Efforts are under way to strengthen leadership and teaching standards at Banchory Primary School after the school was rated “weak” by inspectors and experienced the sudden departure of its long-standing headteacher.
An Education Scotland inspection in February 2023 raised concerns about the school’s approach to leadership, learning, teaching, and assessment. While the school received a “satisfactory” rating for inclusion, wellbeing, and raising attainment, inspectors highlighted that in too many classrooms, pupils were “passive and compliant”, and that the early years play-based approach was not supporting effective learning.
The report also cited a lack of clarity and consistency from the senior leadership team in how the school was being managed.
Then in April 2023, parents were notified that headteacher Jackie Fernandez, who had led the school for around a decade, had unexpectedly stepped down following the Easter break. She has since taken on a new role within another Aberdeenshire school. Her exit was described by Aberdeenshire Council as “surprising” and “rather sudden”.
In her place, Jordan Leslie has been appointed as acting headteacher for the next year. Mr Leslie also shares leadership duties at Hillside School in Portlethen and was selected for his “proven record of strong, effective strategic leadership”.
A follow-up visit from Education Scotland took place earlier this year, and in a letter to parents, the inspectorate confirmed that progress has been made — particularly in defining the roles of the depute headteachers. Their improved leadership is said to be helping create a more positive experience for pupils and has strengthened support for children requiring additional help.
Inspectors also acknowledged better communication with families, noting that information shared by the school is now clearer and gives parents more time to plan ahead for school events. Links between the nursery and school were praised for becoming more effective and collaborative.
Despite these improvements, Education Scotland concluded that “limited progress” had been made overall since the original inspection, and the school will receive another follow-up visit within the next year. Aberdeenshire Council said it will continue working closely with inspectors to deliver on the areas still requiring attention.
A spokesperson for the local authority said:
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“Whilst the inspection team found improvements and progress from their last visit, work continues to address the key issues raised in the report. Everyone involved is committed to making positive changes so that they can demonstrate on Education Scotland’s return that they are meeting the needs of every child and supporting them to achieve their best outcomes.”
Banchory Primary School is located on Arbeadie Road and serves a wide catchment area in one of Aberdeenshire’s largest towns.
