Fabulous first for Falkirk Primary School
St Andrew's RC Primary has become the first Falkirk primary school to receive an excellent inspection rating, according to a report published today (18 August).
The school and Early Learning and Childcare Class received the rating for Leadership of Change following an inspection by HM Inspectors of Education in May 2026.
Inspectors also highlighted strong practice across the school. Learning, teaching and assessment, wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and raising attainment and achievement were all rated very good. The Early Learning and Childcare Class was rated very good for learning, teaching and assessment and for wellbeing, inclusion and equality, with its curriculum rated good.
Kindness and empathy
The report praised the headteacher's leadership, the school's focus on improvement and the quality of children's learning. Inspectors said children are making very good progress and described them as polite, articulate and respectful, with children supporting one another with kindness and empathy.
Children were also recognised for the part they play in improving the school, working with staff to strengthen learning, wellbeing and achievement. The report also noted the support children receive when they join nursery and move into Primary 1.
David Short, Headteacher, said:
This report reflects the care, hard work and dedication to high expectations across our school and nursery. I am delighted that inspectors could see that St. Andrew’s is a very special place to be, one where every child matters.
"Our children are incredible. They support one another and receive very high-quality experiences to develop their skills and talents. This achievement belongs to our staff, children and families, who help make the school and nursery such a great place to learn.
"Our focus continues to remain on giving every child the best possible education in an environment where they are loved and respected.
Jon Reid, Falkirk Council's Director of Education, said:
This is an excellent result for St Andrew's and a proud moment for everyone connected with the school.
"An excellent evaluation is difficult to achieve. It shows the strength of the school's leadership, the quality of learning and the care children receive every day.
"I want to congratulate the staff, children and families on a result they should rightly be proud of.
Inspectors identified a small number of areas for improvement, including further work on tracking pupils' skills and providing clearer information about how learning is delivered within the ELCC. They said the school is in a strong position to keep improving and confirmed they do not need to make any more visits.