Learning environment praised following visit by inspector

Published: Wednesday 16 April 2025

Head teacher and senior pupils at St Andrew's and St Bridie's in East Kilbride

An Education Scotland report has highlighted the positive and caring relationships at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School.

Following a visit from a team of inspectors, the report stated that pupils were also very well supported and encouraged to do their best through the calm, nurturing learning environment evident across the East Kilbride school.

Head teacher Barry Quinn said: “The pupils of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School are friendly, polite and dedicated to their learning and as their headteacher it is a privilege to work alongside them.

“I am pleased that our HMIe recognised the strong relationships and nurturing environment at the heart of our school which enables our young people to grow and develop into the best version of themselves socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically.

“I am very thankful to our brilliant young people, staff, families, partners and local authority representatives who support the work of our school and helped us in achieving a positive inspection.

“As a school we will continue to work to provide opportunities and experiences to our young people by working in partnership with our families and wider community to provide all learners with the knowledge and skills to leave St Andrew’s and St Bride’s and use their talents to make a positive difference to the world.”

The report also pointed out that the headteacher has a clear vision to improve pupil outcomes with all staff working hard to support high achievement and attainment.

Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, the chair of the council’s Education Resources Committee said: “I am delighted that Education Scotland has given the school such a great report – reflecting on all the hard work of head teacher Barry Quinn and his dedicated staff.

“The pupils, are not only achieving academically but have also been demonstrating a wide range of skills through their participation in a broad range of achievements outwith the curriculum as well.”

Pupils at the school have been very successful in recent months with notable accolades including:

  • Digital School Award Europe - first Secondary School in South Lanarkshire, and amongst only a few schools in Scotland, to achieve this award
  • Duke of Edinburgh awards - 67 pupils passed their Bronze, two Silver and three working towards Gold this year
  • Rights Respecting School – Silver - schools that make good progress towards embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into their ethos and curriculum
  • Sporting Successes – including best in category for seven years at the South Lanarkshire Schools Dance Competition - S6 team won the Caritas Cup