Schools tipped for top national award Pupils eye up gongs for working together and literacy

wRenfrewshire pupils are top of the class as they are in the running for a national gong.

Two Renfrewshire schools have beaten off stiff competition from across Scotland to be selected as finalists at this year’s Scottish Education Awards.

Kersland School, in Paisley, has been shortlisted for the employability across learning (secondary) award for their partnership with Park Mains High School.

The schools have worked together on a number of projects, most notably the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award that has enabled eight pupils from Kersland School to achieve the highest Gold Award.

Todholm Primary School, also in Paisley, has also been named as a finalist for the raising attainment in literacy award.

The school keeps literacy very high on their agenda by encouraging children to get involved with reading challenges, sponsored reads, book drives and story clubs throughout the year.

All of the finalists will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, in Glasgow, on Wednesday, June 7, where judges will unveil the winners of each acategory.

Michelle Welsh, acting headteacher at Kersland School said: “Through our strong working relationship with Park Mains High School and our work with the Duke of Edinburgh Project ,we have been able to develop our young people’s independence and leadership skills.

“The pupils at Park Mains High School have always shown outstanding support and have provided a high level of partnership, which has enabled our pupils to achieve the best of their ability.

“It is great to see this positive partnership being recognised by the Scottish Education Awards.

“The young people have developed strong relationships and genuine friendships through working together as part of their involvement with Duke of Edinburgh project.”

The Scottish Education Awards 2017 are managed by the Daily Record and delivered in conjunction with Education Scotland. They recognise and reward the people who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcase the valuable work and innovation happening in classrooms across the country.

There are also categories that recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head teachers and support staff across Scotland.

The winners of the school sections will receive a trophy, a certificate and a £400 prize. Runner-up schools will receive a certificate and £200.