Ages 
We struggle to describe this as a school: more a complete educational experience. Inspiring leadership has meant they tackle a huge and complex catchment area with commitment and dedication. Some parents feel they may stretch themselves too far in their efforts to offer everything to everybody, but our impression is that they have a very good sense of the area and its requirements.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 988 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 102 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Local authority
- Argyll and Bute Council
Headteacher
Head teacher
Mr Peter Bain
Since 2008, Peter Bain MA MSc PGCE. Since 2019, executive head of both Oban High School and Tiree High School. Left school (Musselburgh Grammar) at 16 ‘because the lure of civil service pay was better than staying on’. Five years later, he supported
Entrance
Catchment is vast, with pupils coming in from 19 partnership primary schools spanning up to an hour in all directions. In two of those primary schools the first language is Gaelic. Although the school is very popular, all who want a place currently
Exit
In some years, a few leave before sixth form. Virtually all the rest to official Scottish definition of a ‘positive destination’ which means they went to university, college or straight to a job. Forty per cent to university, usually in Scotland:
Latest results
In 2024 at National 5, 83 per cent grades A-C; at Higher, 76 per cent A-C. In 2023 at National 5, 82 per cent grades A-C; at Higher, 55 per cent A-B; and at Advanced Higher 54 per cent A-B.
Teaching & learning
This is the broadest curriculum in Scotland, offering over 100 courses. On a recent royal appointment, Princess Anne asked to extend her visit so she could get round the whole thing. Everything on offer from Nat 5s to Highers to IB, and tons of
Learning support & SEN
The school has a special unit to cater for children with complex needs (as well as dealing with milder needs) so those that might normally opt for a special school don’t have to. Some have two members of staff all to themselves, with 39 staff running
Arts & extracurricular
Inspirational School of Traditional Music, as it is known, is based in shiny soundproofed piping building and run by one of the top pipers in the world. The school pipe band is a very big deal, having been world champions twice in the last 12 years.
Sport
Shinty (hockey without rules, to the unacquainted) is on the up and up – about half the school plays it. Special mention must also go to the School of Rugby and their technologically edgy artificial pitches. Apparently the superior performance of the
Boarders
Covering the education requirements of islands such as Colonsay, Coll, Mull, Lismore, Iona, Kerrera, Shuna and Easdale as well as the remote Bridge of Orchy, the local authority has no option but to offer hostel accommodation, which is located a
Ethos & heritage
The first school in Oban was founded in 1862, although Oban High School as a formal institution didn’t come into existence until 1890. Has always been on the current site, with five different extensions added over the years until 2018 when the school
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
School operates on fairly traditional clan (house) system. Every clan has a depute head teacher in charge, who is responsible for the academic and pastoral care of each child (along with a full-time principal teacher of guidance). Each clan also has
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Follow Argyll and Bute Council policy
Pupils & parents
Everything from very rich with their own helicopters to real rural poverty. Boarders arrive on a ferry on a weekly basis, while around 10 are flown in. Many take the train to school and even greater numbers are bussed in. Parents range from farmers,
The last word
We struggle to describe this as a school: more a complete educational experience. Inspiring leadership has meant they tackle a huge and complex catchment area with commitment and dedication. Some parents feel they may stretch themselves too far in
