Mearns Primary is cream of the crop

Mearns Primary made it to the final in two separate categories at the prestigious TES Schools Awards 2015.

Although they were pipped at the post, they say they were thrilled to have been shortlisted twice.

They were among just four Scottish schools to make it to the final, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane.

Depute head teacher Karen Cumming said: “We were absolutely delighted to be shortlisted and we’ll be aiming to win next year!”

They had been in the running for ‘English team of the year’ and ‘early years setting of the year’.

There were more than 100 schools and teachers on the shortlist with just Mearns and one school each from Perthshire, Glasgow and Motherwell selected from Scotland.

The school’s place on the English team of the year award shortlist recognises the innovative way Mearns staff teaches literacy and English.

The early years setting of the year nomination is in recognition of the excellent work the Mearns early years team does in providing its youngest pupils with their first educational experience.

Mearns had to provide substantial supporting evidence of success in both applications, including case studies.

The TES (Times Educational Supplement) Schools Awards, now in its seventh year, recognises commitment and innovation shown by teachers and support staff across the UK.