The coveted Sunday Times Schools Guide, which identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK ranked by their recent examination results, has placed Moffat in 30th place nationally.
Nearly 60 per cent of senior pupils achieved five higher A to C qualifications in 2017 helping the school leap 15 places from rank 45 to 30.
And that makes it the highest ranked of all Dumfries and Galloway’s secondary schools.
Acting head teacher Andrea Macfarlane, who is serving as the campus leader for an 18th month period, said “Being a pupil at Moffat Academy is about so much more than results, and we pride ourselves on the rounded experience all our young people receive, but to see the hard work of our senior pupils and staff being recognised in this publication is very pleasing.”
At Tuesday night’s meeting of Moffat Community Council she pledged to do all she could to see their rank move closer to the top spot next year.
And community council chairman Dr Derek Cox added: “What wonderful news. If that doesn’t encourage people to settle down in Moffat, what possibly could?”
Also congratulating Moffat was Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Young Peoples Champion and Annandale North Councillor Adam Wilson. He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Moffat Academy again ranked as the region’s top ranking school.
“The ranking is a testament to the pupils and staff who work hard all year round. Despite continuing budget cuts from the Scottish Government, the council does all it can to protect teacher numbers and spending on schools to ensure that all of our young people receive the best start in life.”
MSP and former Moffat head boy Oliver Mundell said: “When I was a pupil more than a decade ago I found it to be an excellent school with supportive staff and a friendly culture, where learning was a positive experience.
“That fine tradition has been maintained and I’m delighted that their academic and wider achievements have again been recognised.”
Meanwhile, the region’s second top ranking school was Kirkcudbright Academy in 45th place.
