RAAC work holds back Forres Academy improvements

Inspectors have said work on a Moray secondary’s problems with potentially dangerous concrete has impeded improvements they demanded at the school.

Education Scotland visited Forres Academy earlier this month to follow up an inspection published in March 2023, which called for changes.

They included better strategic leadership focussing on better outcomes for pupils, improving teaching and making classes more engaging, and increasing attainment levels.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which has a limited lifespan and can collapse without warning when wet, was found in several areas of the school in August 2023.

An extensive repair programme saw some classes and prelim exams delivered off-site, though all have since returned.

Education Scotland has written to parents and carers of pupils at the school, saying the time devoted to the RAAC work by senior staff has meant they have not made as much progress as they would have liked.

It said attainment had fallen in some areas.

The inspectors will carry out a further visit within the next year.

Moray Council said it would work “at pace” with the school to ensure that progress was made.