The Excellence in Professional Learning Award for Schools and Learning Communities were awarded by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland), the teaching profession’s independent registration and regulation body. 

Tony McDaid, South Lanarkshire Council’s Executive Director of Education Resources, said: ‘I’m delighted that both our schools have received national recognition for their work on professional learning.

“This demonstrates the commitment of all staff to ensure pupils at both schools are supported to achieve their potential.”

The award celebrates and recognises schools and learning communities that support and lead professional learning which has a significant and sustained impact on teachers, classroom practice and the learning of children and young people.

Head teacher at Larkhall Academy, Andy Smith, said ‘I am delighted that the hard work, creativity and dedication of our staff has been recognised. We continue to develop leadership capacity in our school community to ensure the best outcomes for our young people.”

And Fiona Mullen, Headteacher at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, added: “We are delighted that the hard work and commitment by staff across our school has been formally recognised through this GTCS Excellence in Professional Learning award. Staff across the school want to provide the best for our pupils and fundamental to this is the continual development of their professional knowledge and skills. I am a very proud Headteacher."

The secondary schools join 18 other schools and teacher learning communities from across Scotland that have received the award.

Dr Pauline Stephen, Chief Executive and Registrar, GTC Scotland said: “It is vital that teachers are able to learn within a culture of professional trust and positive relationships.

“Our award recognises how teachers’ professional learning is being supported in our schools and learning communities. The commitment to learning throughout a teacher’s career helps ensure trust and respect in the teaching profession and positively impacts on the experiences and outcomes for learners.”

GTC Scotland was established in 1965, one of the first teaching councils in the world. In 2012, it became the world’s first independent professional and regulatory body for teaching. It is a legal requirement for all teachers working in Scottish schools to be registered with GTC Scotland. For more info please go to the General Teaching Council for Scotland website.