Published 27 May 2021
Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton has been shortlisted for the Secondary School of the Year award in the prestigious TES awards.
The educational awards celebrate the extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation shown by teachers and school staff across the UK. Only the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer are recognised in the shortlist.
Previously recognised as a School of Ambition, the school was shortlisted for its outstanding academic results with many pupils going on to university. The school also had the highest number of pupils in Scotland who used the Skills Development Scotland’s ‘My World of Work’ website to gain an insight into academic abilities, practical skills, interests and careers.
Staff at the school are committed to closing the attainment gap and breaking down any barriers to learning. Staff were also recognised for their proactive, innovative and creative learning strategies to engage young people, including pupils’ mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus pandemic.
TES editor Jon Severs said: “It is more important this year than ever before to celebrate the fantastic work schools do, because in the past 12 months they have gone above and beyond to ensure pupils were able to be educated and be kept safe in extraordinary circumstances. We were inundated with entries that demonstrated just how hard the pandemic made the work of schools, and just how amazing the response from staff has been. We are looking forward to showcasing, as we do every year, just how vital our education professionals are to every facet of this country. "
Councillor Karen Conaghan, Convener of Educational Services, said: “I am delighted to see the great work of both pupils and the whole school community being recognised in these awards. Our schools have faced one of the most challenging academic years ever, so to make this shortlist in these exceptional circumstances is even more special. I eagerly await the announcement later next month and I wish Mr Smith and all his staff the very best of luck.”
Councillor Ian Dickson, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for both our pupils and staff to be shortlisted as I’m sure the standard would have been very high in these awards. This demonstrates the commitment from Mr Smith and all his staff in ensuring every pupil, regardless of their background, achieves their best and go on to a positive destination when they leave school. I wish them good luck for the final.”
Winners will be announced on Friday 25 June 2021