Harlaw Academy: School Improvement Plan (SQUIP) 2026-2027

Harlaw Academy is a large secondary school in Aberdeen with more than 1,200 young people. The school is proud of its history, having provided education on its current site for over 100 years. Our motto is "By Learning and Courtesy", and this continues to guide everything we do.

Since the appointment of a new Head Teacher in 2024, the school has focused on improving leadership, learning and teaching, wellbeing, inclusion, and attainment. We have made good progress and are now moving into the next stage of improvement, which is about making sure all young people experience high-quality learning and support every day. 

In 2019, Education Scotland identified three key areas for improvement:

1. Improve leadership and school improvement planning.

2. Improve learning, teaching and assessment.

3. Improve how the school tracks progress and raises attainment.

These priorities continue to guide our work.

What makes Harlaw Academy special?

• We are one of Aberdeen's most diverse schools.

• Around half of our young people speak a language other than English at home.

• We welcome learners from all backgrounds and from every area of the city.

• We believe diversity is one of our greatest strengths and helps prepare young people for life in modern Scotland and beyond.

Our Key Priorities for 2026-2027

1. Developing Leadership

We want leadership to be everyone's responsibility.

This year we will:

• Continue to involve staff in working groups which help improve the school.

• Create more opportunities for young people to take on leadership roles.

• Develop our new House System to strengthen pupil participation.

• Improve communication with pupils, families and staff.

• Support staff through coaching and leadership development opportunities.

2. Improving Learning and Teaching

We want every lesson to be engaging, challenging and supportive.

This year we will:

• Continue to embed our Learning and Teaching Framework.

• Develop questioning and discussion skills in lessons.

• Improve feedback so pupils know how to improve their work.

• Increase opportunities for active learning and pupil participation.

• Reduce differences in learning experiences between subjects and classes. 

3. Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Respect

We want every young person to feel safe, respected and included.

This year we will:

• Continue to develop our Courtesy Charter.

• Fully launch our new House System.

• Improve attendance through early support and family engagement.

• Strengthen support for young people with additional support needs.

• Expand opportunities for wider achievement, leadership and participation.

• Continue our focus on positive relationships and restorative approaches. 

4. Raising Attainment and Achievement

We want all young people to achieve their best.

This year we will:

• Use improved tracking systems to monitor progress more closely.

• Identify pupils who need additional support earlier.

• Improve attainment at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

• Focus particularly on improving Level 6 attainment.

• Strengthen literacy and numeracy across the school.

• Celebrate achievement both inside and outside the classroom. 

5. Developing the Curriculum

We want learners to have pathways that meet their needs and aspirations.

This year we will:

• Continue to improve curriculum pathways from S1 to S6.

• Expand vocational and skills-based learning opportunities.

• Strengthen links between learning and future careers.

• Increase opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.

• Use pupil feedback to help shape curriculum developments. 

What Have We Improved Already?

Recent improvements include:

• Stronger leadership and staff involvement in school improvement.

• Better communication and staff morale.

• Improved classroom questioning and learner engagement.

• The introduction of the Courtesy Charter.

• Improved tracking and monitoring of attainment.

• Stronger literacy and numeracy outcomes.

• Improved National 5 and Higher results.

• Greater opportunities for vocational learning and wider achievement.

Our Vision for Harlaw Academy

Over the next three years, we want Harlaw Academy to be a school where:

• Young people achieve highly and are proud of their success.

• Learners feel safe, included and respected.

• Learning is engaging and consistently high quality.

• Staff work together to improve outcomes for all.

• Families feel involved in school life.

• Leadership opportunities are available for both young people and staff.

• Every young person is known, valued and supported.

Our Aim

By Learning and Courtesy, we will continue to build a school where all young people can learn, achieve and thrive.