Paisley primary school first to receive highest accolade for learning and teaching

A primary school in Ferguslie has become the first school in Renfrewshire and one of the first in Scotland to receive an Excellent grade for its learning, teaching and assessment.

Glencoats Primary School received the grade after a recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) in Scotland.

The Excellent grade was credited to the inspirational leadership of the head teacher and senior staff, the high-quality teaching throughout the school, and the focus on meeting the needs of every child.

Raising attainment and achievement in the school was graded by inspectors as Very Good. The school’s positive environment was also highlighted as supporting children’s wellbeing and making them feel valued, included, and ready to learn.

Teachers have a strong focus on high-quality targeted teaching of literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing. This has significantly accelerated progress across the curriculum, inspectors said.

Innovative approaches to teaching through digital technology, outdoor and play-based learning were noted as highly successful, helping children to develop essential skills.

Carol McCormick, Head Teacher of Glencoats Primary School, said: “It is a great privilege to be head teacher at our school. Our recent HMIe report is a wonderful achievement for the children and families of the Ferguslie community.

“I am immensely proud of the whole staff team both within the mainstream and Flexible Learning Resource who have high expectations of and for all of our pupils and who work tirelessly to provide a highly nurturing environment where all of our children are included and engaged. They have demonstrated a firm commitment to developing very high-quality learning experiences and unique curriculum to meet the different needs across our school, ensuring that our children develop important skills for learning, life and work and achieve their very best.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I share the immense pride the teaching staff, pupils and families of Glencoats Primary School will feel at this exceptional achievement. Achieving an Excellent grade is a testament to the dedication of the head teacher and school staff. Their commitment to high-quality learning shines through everything they do.

“The school’s strong focus on wellbeing creates an environment where children feel valued, included and ready to learn, and this nurturing approach has positively supported their education.

“Glencoats success reflects the high standards, innovation, and care at the heart of education in Renfrewshire. I want to congratulate everyone within the Ferguslie community for their support on creating such a positive place for children’s learning and achievement.”

Janie O’Neill, Director of Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services, said: “Glencoats have much to be proud of and I am delighted to see the primary school and the Flexible Learning Resource which supports some of our ASN children highlighted in such a positive way by His Majesty’s Inspectorate.

“There is no doubt that the work taking place within the school is inspirational and that everyone pulls together to deliver the very best for the children. Carol and her team have worked incredibly hard and deserve this recognition. Glencoats is truly at the heart of the community.”

All Renfrewshire schools inspected during the last two years have returned positive inspection results, including Good, Very Good and Excellent grades, reflecting the high standard of education provision within the area.