The Town That Never Expected a Windfall
February 9, 2026
Castlehead High School in Paisley has received a positive inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMI).
Pupils, staff and school support staff are celebrating the result, with inspectors highlighting the school’s supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The strong and compassionate leadership by the head teacher and senior leadership team was praised. This support is credited to creating a culture of kindness and respect across the school, with staff at all levels feeling empowered to lead change.
The report said young people are confident learners and actively seek opportunities to contribute and improve their school community. The Young Leaders of Learning group was highlighted as an example where young people worked with teachers to better their school. The Castlehead Lesson Cycle they developed is valued by young people and has led to improvements in consistency and routines for all classes.
Teachers work well together and there is strong engagement with students, with staff in the Flexible Learning Resource (FLR) providing tailored support for their young people. The school also work well with local partners to enrich young people’s learning experiences.
Castlehead High became Scotland’s first School of Creativity through a unique partnership formed between Glasgow School of Art and Renfrewshire Council in 2017.
Gordon Menzies, Head Teacher of Castlehead High School, said: “It is an absolute privilege to be Head Teacher of Castlehead High School, and I take immense pride in all our young people. This positive inspection report from HMI is the result of hard work from all our staff, families, partners and wider school community who are dedicated to provide the best experience for our young people.
“I was delighted that our confident and welcoming young people were recognised as a key strength, as well as the commitment of all the staff who regularly go above and beyond to make a difference. This report exemplifies our dedication to ensuring the best outcomes for our pupils.”
Councillor Emma Rodden, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I’m proud that Castlehead High School has become the latest Renfrewshire school to receive a positive inspection report from HMI. This inspection highlights the power of giving young people a voice through the Young Leaders of Learning group to positively impact their education.
“The school’s strong and compassionate leadership, the excellent teamwork throughout, and the warm, welcoming and inclusive environment all support our young people to get the best of their education. Well done to everyone at Castlehead High.”
Janie O’Neill, Director of Children’s Services, said: “I am delighted to see that the numerous strengths of Castlehad High have been recognised in such a positive way. The authentic and compassionate leadership of the Head Teacher and the work of the teaching staff and the support staff across the school is clearly improving experiences and opportunities. The support being offered through our FLR is also highlighted as a key positive and I would like to thank all the staff at Castlehead High for their commitment and enthusiasm.
“The report notes that the young people are very proud of their school which is wonderful to read. We are also very proud and I look forward to visiting the school again soon to congratulate them in person.”
All Renfrewshire schools inspected during the last two years have returned positive inspection results, including Good, Very Good and Excellent grades.
