Annual performance spotlights
Connect outcome - Education and learning
Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships
What communities told us:
- Improve health and wellbeing to enable children and families to flourish.
- Provide a rich and stimulating curriculum that helps raise standards in literacy and numeracy.
- Support children and young people to develop their skills for learning, life and work.
- Adult learning should be affordable and accessible to older adults. This is good for mental health and physical health and making friendships.
- Digital training and accessible learning with opportunities to gain skills are important for adults and young people alike.
- Life skills teaching is required – money management, mortgages and use of credit. The skills that should be promoted are IT/Digital skills as well as interpersonal.
- Create an environment for communities to fall down, learn and get back up and keep going
What success will look like:
- Improved attainment in literacy and numeracy
- Improved attendance
- Improved positive destinations for our young people
Case study: Celebrating and recognising success in Education
Across South Lanarkshire, our schools and nurseries have continued to champion inclusion, equity, and equality by removing barriers to learning and fostering opportunities for all. From national awards to inspiring community initiatives, schools and learning environments have made tangible progress in ensuring that success is not measured by a single standard but instead reflects the diverse strengths and aspirations of every learner.
A strong example of this commitment is the recognition of Duncanrig Secondary School and the Early Learning Unit in Hamilton in the Success Looks Different National Awards. These awards highlight the ways in which young people thrive through tailored, inclusive educational experiences. Both establishments have been celebrated for their dedication to ensuring that children and young people with additional support needs receive meaningful opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and independence.
Celebrating Success
- Hamilton School for the Deaf won the Sporting School of the Year Award for promoting inclusivity in sport.
- In the arts, young musicians across South Lanarkshire have continued to excel, demonstrating the power of creative expression in fostering unity and achievement. Seventeen secondary schools were represented at the prestigious South Lanarkshire Young Musician of the Year Competition
- One of the standout achievements has been the widespread success in the Scottish Book Trust’s Reading Schools framework, where Newfield, Carmichael and Tinto Primaries have attained Gold accreditation, reflecting their commitment to fostering a strong reading culture
- Digital learning and inclusion: St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School become the first secondary school in South Lanarkshire to earn the prestigious Digital Schools Award Europe, recognising the school's commitment to integrating digital technology into learning and teaching
- the Conference of Schools (CoS3) event once again provided an influential platform for young people to educate, inspire and engage their peers on climate action. Designed and delivered by students for students, the event showcased ideas and solutions aimed at tackling climate change at both local and global levels.
- A strong focus on anti-racism education has led to impactful initiatives, particularly within the Hamilton Learning Community, where five primary schools collaborated on a structured learning programme designed to build awareness and understanding of racism
Lots more examples of successes in the annual Standards and Quality report (Education Resources)
How we did in 2024-25
Note: 2024-25 education results are for academic year 2024
