CRAIGMARLOCH School has put in place special measures to improve following criticism by inspectors.

The new management team recently put in place at the school for pupils with additional support needs has been working with watchdog Education Scotland to make changes in key areas.

They were ordered to ‘challenge’ pupils in literacy and numeracy after weaknesses were uncovered during an inspection earlier this year.

Craigmarloch is part of the council’s £44m flagship shared campus in Port Glasgow.

A report by education director Wilma Bain said: “The new senior managers are aware that pace and challenge across the school needed to be addressed quickly. 

“Senior managers are committed to ensuring that the highest possible standards and success for all learners are achieved. 

“Both teachers and parents have been consulted on the curriculum for Craigmarloch with focus on the structure of both the primary and secondary departments.”

Craigmarloch is also establishing closer links with both Port Glasgow High and St Stephen’s High for secondary school-aged pupils and working with the local McPherson Centre on a community gardening project.

In addition to the school’s newly-appointed management team, the report by Ms Bain also states that three temporary acting principal teachers have been recruited because of long term absence.

Staff are implementing an action plan to ensure that the areas identified as needing improvement are being addressed.

Craigmarloch was formed by a merger of Glenburn in Greenock and Lilybank in Port Glasgow.