John Paul Academy is a denominational school which serves the north west sector of Glasgow City. The inspection was carried out in September and October 2008 at which time the roll was 694. Young people’s attendance was well below the national average in 2006/07. There have been a lot of changes in staffing over the last two sessions, with a number of temporary short and long term teaching staff. A new headteacher took up post in August 2008.

Particular strengths of the school

• Very positive relationships between almost all young people and staff.
• Strong commitment of staff to supporting one another and improving the quality of teaching and learning.
• The school’s links with outside agencies to support young people’s learning, including the contribution of the campus police officer.
• The very good attention given to young people’s health and wellbeing within the school’s strong Christian ethos.

Examples of good practice

• Young people’s greater awareness of cultural diversity through international links with the ‘Seed of Hope’ school in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The development of young people’s citizenship skills through their involvement in the community regeneration project ‘The Maryhill Burgh Hall’.