THE NEW leadership team at Inverkeithing High School are taking steps to decrease bullying. 

Headteacher Graham Belford said they've been tackling bad behaviour and local councillor David Barratt said progress has been made.

Cllr Barratt told the Press: "The new leadership in the school is hopefully having an impact. 

"I think at times there was a sense that the school lacked discipline, that there wasn't adequate communication and probably not enough acknowledgement for a while that there was a problem.

"It’s not a problem unique to Inverkeithing High School but it’s not going to be solved until leadership within schools acknowledge that there is a bullying problem.

"I think the school has done that and I'm encouraged by some of the actions of the leadership, including Mr Belford but also Miss Clark who is one of the deputy heads and has been very proactive on it as well."

One clear sign of progress is that the toilets are no longer being seen as a "no-go area" by pupils. 

Previously, Cllr Barratt had spoken to parents and guardians who said their kids were purposefully avoiding using the facilities. 

He explained: "They were referred to by parents and pupils as a bit of a no-go area because if you went in there, particularly if you're a younger pupil there would be people vaping or whatever in the toilets and people didn't feel safe.

"I’ve spoken to a few parents whose children just accepted that they went to the toilet before they went to school and they held it all day.

"That's just what you did. You limited your intake of fluids throughout the day because you didn't want to go to the toilet and that's a ridiculous position for any school to be in. 

"I think from that point of view, it sounds anecdotally at least, that things are improving."

A number of steps are being taken to improve the school environment.

Mr Belford said: “Since August, the school has focused on high staff presence across all areas of the school during class and social times.

"This has improved the ethos and continued to develop a calm, orderly and supportive environment for all young people.

“We are also currently in the process of recruiting a further three guidance teachers which will increase the guidance team by 50 per cent. This will enhance the school’s ability to support young people’s wellbeing.

“Furthermore, in line with Fife Council guidance, we deliver a core personal and social education programme. Key parts of this programme relate to relationships and include the use of national resources such as Respect Me, Everyone’s Included and Mentors in Violence Prevention.

"Positive feedback has been received from stakeholders in relation to the operational changes during term one.”

Despite these improvements, Cllr Barratt believes that true change won't take place until the school moves into the new building in Rosyth in August 2026. 

He added: "Inevitably part of the problem is you know the structure of our school.

"There are lots of nooks and crannies where bullying can take place, and it's more difficult for teachers to manage. I think once they're in a new school that will improve."