PUPILS AT Pitlochry High were celebrating yesterday after inspectors revealed they study at one of the country’s top educational establishments.

The Perthshire school received an excellent report card from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), with praise also heaped on its nursery department.

The commitment of staff and confidence of pupils were highlighted as being particularly noteworthy.

In a report published yesterday, inspectors concluded the school was “very good” in five of the eight areas examined and “good” in the remainder.

At the time of inspection —September this year— the school had 38 children in the nursery, 200 in the primary department and 171 in the secondary department.

Inspectors found a number of particular strengths, including the “mutually respectful” relationships between both staff and children and between the school and its community.

The range and quality of help given to children with additional support needs was also flagged up, along with the headteacher’s “encouragement and support” for pupils and staff.

The report stated that, across the school, pupils are keen to learn and sometimes go beyond what teachers expect.

Many take on extra responsibilities, such as becoming road safety officers or joining the eco-group.

Inspectors also noted that pupils do a “significant amount” of charity work.

In the nursery class, staff provide children with a broad and balanced range of experiences and respond “sensitively” to their needs and interests.

“Children have a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable learning experiences which help them to make progress,” the report said.

“Staff ensure they have chances to develop and use their literacy and numeracy skills across different areas of their learning.”

Inspectors concluded that the school has developed “very effective” partnerships with parents and the local community, which increases the range and quality of learning experiences.

The headteacher is also praised as an effective leader with a clear vision for the school.

Councillor Liz Grant, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee, was delighted by the report.

“This is an excellent inspection report and I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the school,” she said. “Pitlochry High can be extremely proud.”