End of term celebration for positive inspection at The Donaldson Trust’s Sensational Learning Centre 

Colleagues and pupils are celebrating this week after receiving a good ‘report card’ from Education Scotland. 

Inspectors praised The Donaldson Trust’s Sensational Learning Centre for fostering an “inclusive and nurturing culture,” and for its strong focus on the wellbeing and mental health of its pupils. 

The school, which supports neurodivergent learners who are unable to access mainstream education, was inspected in March 2025. The evaluation focused on two key areas: Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Raising Attainment and Achievement — both of which were rated as “Good”. 

The inspection included conversations with pupils, parents, carers, and staff, and highlighted several key strengths: 

• The headteacher and staff work very well together to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where children and young people feel safe and cared for. Relationships between children, young people and staff are positive, trusting and based on the promotion of children’s rights. 

• Children and young people across the centre are respectful and enthusiastic learners, who work hard and achieve their goals. They demonstrate their skills and knowledge well. 

• Staff undertake a wide range of valuable professional learning to increase their expertise in understanding neurodiversity and improve communication between staff and learners. This is improving the quality of teaching across the school and enhancing staff’s understanding of learners’ needs. 

Angela Evans, Head of Learning Services at The Donaldson Trust, welcomed the report: 

“I am delighted that everyone connected with our Sensational Learning Centre can celebrate this positive inspection outcome. 

We are particularly proud that the inspectors recognised the team’s unwavering commitment to wellbeing and positive mental health. Our pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment, supported by rich learning experiences. 

As we approach the end of term, we’re already looking ahead with renewed energy and optimism. Our progressive approach continues to shape a curriculum that offers broader learning pathways and more opportunities for our young people to achieve qualifications and awards.” 

Angela added: “In August, we’ll be welcoming a new English Teacher to the team, and we’re currently recruiting for a Secondary Maths Teacher to further enhance our team. It’s a very exciting time to be part of the Sensational Learning Centre.” 

You can read the Inspection Report here.

If you are interested in joining the Sensational Learning Centre team as a Secondary Maths Teacher, you can find out more about the role on our Current Vacancies page.