A primary school in Johnstone has been recognised with a major national education award.
St Margaret’s Primary School has achieved a full STEM Nation Award, the highest level granted by Education Scotland. The award recognises excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
Education Scotland said the school impressed assessors with its strong leadership, focus on equality, community links, and a curriculum that gives pupils hands-on opportunities to develop STEM skills. Validators also praised the school’s Skills Sessions programme for P4–P7 pupils, which encourages children to apply learning in practical and creative ways influenced by their own interests.
The school was commended for its commitment to staff training, its collaborative teaching approach, and the opportunities pupils have to take on leadership roles through the Young STEM Leader programme and STEM clubs. Parents working in STEM industries have also been invited in to speak to classes, helping pupils understand real-world careers and boosting confidence in STEM subjects.
Head Teacher Gillian Miller said the award reflects the hard work of both staff and pupils.
“We are delighted to receive this prestigious STEM Nation Award. It reflects the hard work and perseverance of pupils and staff who have gone on an amazing STEM focussed learning journey. To be recognised in this way is testament to the dedication shown by our pupils to be curious in their learning and to embrace new things. I am proud of everything we have achieved, but in particular I would like to note the drive and determination of my DHT and our Young STEM Leaders who thoroughly deserve all the plaudits that this Stem Nation award will bring.”
Graeme Logan, Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland, added:
“Congratulations to St Margaret’s Primary School on achieving the full STEM Nation Award. St Margaret’s Primary School is the 61st educational setting in Scotland to achieve the award, with over 340 further settings signed up to the programme. This is important because the skills which our young people gain from doing STEM subjects are vital for their future lives and work across many different jobs. I am delighted that St Margaret’s Primary School is providing such rich, engaging and varied STEM experiences for their learners and hope that this success will encourage even more of Scotland’s schools and settings to apply for the STEM Nation Award.”
The STEM Nation Award programme is open to early years, primary, secondary and community learning settings. Further information is available on Education Scotland’s STEM Nation blog.