The School was inspected in December 2013 by Education Scotland. You can access the inspection reports below.
PortEllenPS inspection findings
Here is a copy of the authority press release following the publishing of the report:
The head teacher, staff and pupils of Port Ellen Primary School have been praised by HM Inspectors in a report published (Tuesday 11 February 2014). The report has judged the school to be ‘very good’ in each of the eight categories inspected.
Innovative practices in the use of projects will now be explored further and be shared more widely.
The school’s ‘Endeavour Project’, the Gaelic choir’s successes at the National Mods, their involvement in a community musical project which was aired on BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal, the children’s use of technology and the nursery class wormery – all received mention in the report.
The inspector said, ‘The people of Islay are very proud of their (the school’s) achievements, and offer many high profile events at which to be ambassadors for their school’.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Aileen Morton, said, “This is a great inspection report for Port Ellen Primary School and is testimony to the leadership of the head teacher, the skills and dedication of the staff, the support of parents and the willingness of the pupils to learn.
“The inspector identified innovative practice in the use of projects that should be widely shared – which is a marvellous endorsement of the work of the whole school and the community.”
Head teacher Maureen MacDonald, said, “We are all very pleased with the outcome of the inspection. I can’t praise the pupils and staff highly enough for their continuous hard work, dedication and commitment. It is a privilege and an honour to be part of Port Ellen School community. It doesn’t end for us here, we will continue to be ambitious, have high expectations and strive for excellence.”