Bosses at Perth Grammar School have been told to raise standards after inspectors slapped them with a weak report.
An Education Scotland inspection which took place in November has led to a raft of recommended improvements which will have to be put in place over the next 12 months.
The inspectors said the school needed additional support and time to bring about the scale of change required.
More than half of the 71 members of staff surveyed by inspectors said communication was ineffective and a third of teachers said they did not have opportunities to get involved in agreeing the school’s priorities.
More than a quarter of the school’s pupils told inspectors their views were not taken into account by management.
Raising attainment and achievement has been set as a priority. The school has been told to introduce more rigorous assessment and and monitoring of S1, S2 and S3 pupils in particular.
Inspectors said teaching staff need to more to provide “equity for all learners”, recognise the role of high-quality learning and teaching to boost young people’s motivation and engagement and ensure they set appropriate challenges for all pupils in order to maximise their progress.
The report said there had been insufficient analysis of attainment data for young people who face barriers to learning, meaning senior management were unable to identify and act on any gaps.
The school has more than 1,000 pupils and its catchment includes the North Muirton and Tulloch areas of Perth, the A9 corridor to Luncarty and Murthly and west to Methven.
The Education Scotland team noted that most relationships across the school were respectful and praised the increasing number of courses available, as well as the learning experience for pupils with additional support needs.
HM Inspector Stuart Cathro said: “As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school needs additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.
“We will liaise with Perth and Kinross Council regarding the school’s capacity to improve. We will return to carry out a further inspection of the school within twelve months.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning convener Caroline Shiers said: “The report for Perth Grammar highlights some strengths across the school but also outlines important areas for improvement.
“Education and Children’s Services staff will continue to work with the senior management team at the school to address the areas for improvement outlined in this report, and will keep parents and carers informed of progress.”
