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An East Kilbride primary school and nursery class have been praised by Education Scotland after receiving ‘very good’ ratings across all key areas in a recent inspection. Inspectors visited Crosshouse Primary School and Nursery Class in April 2025 as part of a national review, then the findings were published in September and presented to the East Kilbride Area Committee last Tuesday (November 4). The report highlighted strong teaching, effective leadership and confident, motivated pupils. Both the school and nursery were rated very good for learning, teaching and assessment, as well as for raising attainment and securing children’s progress. Inspectors commended the staff for creating a positive and engaging learning environment where children are “confident, curious and independent learners.” Leadership from the head teacher was also praised for ensuring high-quality, challenging learning experiences across all classes. Pupils were found to make strong progress in literacy and numeracy, and the school was recognised for its focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. Head teacher of the primary, Isabelle Murray, said: “As the head teacher of Crosshouse Primary and nursery class, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to share the very positive outcomes of our recent inspection. A team of nine Education Scotland inspectors and one Care Inspectorate inspector evaluated our work. Two quality indicators were used by HMI to evaluate our work in our mainstream school and our ASN base and nursery and five detailed evaluations were used by the care inspectorate. Overall we received nine very good evaluations across all nine areas inspected. “Last week, I was delighted to receive a personal letter from the Chief Inspector of Education Scotland, in which she offered her sincere congratulations on our recent highly positive inspection. She said that she was delighted to hear about the nurturing learning environment across the school and nursery and the work of the staff in developing high quality of learning and teaching. “Inspectors during their time with us work closely with children in our classes and small focus groups. Our children relished the opportunity to tell the inspectors all about our wonderful school and their progress in learning. Inspectors repeatedly praised the children and said that they were highly motivated, hard-working and articulate, who exhibit a strong determination to do their best. Something which I am very fortunate to witness on a daily basis. “Inspectors agreed that children at Crosshouse Primary School are making very good progress, they’re developing very effective talking and listening skills and benefit from a range of opportunities to have their views heard and acted on. We have very high expectations for Crosshouse Primary and children are encouraged to do their best at all times. “Inspectors found that the children’s presentation and handwriting is of a very high standard and there’s a consistent approach to developing this across the school. Our children are very proud of their work and have regular opportunities to showcase this. Inspectors took time to listen to children and hear about their achievements and involvement in school life. Inspectors commented on the wide range and variety of lunchtime and after-school activities provided which include athletics, jewellery making, gymnastics, board games and basketball to name a few to which all children are actively encouraged to attend. Participation rates are tracked and monitored to ensure children have the opportunity to take part. “Inspectors met with the whole staff team and groups of staff, they also provided opportunities for staff to meet with them individually. The hard work and commitment of all members of staff was highlighted by inspectors who said that the staff have worked very effectively together to develop a highly positive culture for learning. The strong culture of mutual respect across the school embodies the school heart values where children are at the heart of all we do. “Inspectors found that our staff team know children very well as learners and have a strong awareness of individual learning needs. Our wonderful support staff team were also praised for the way in which they effectively support learners who have barriers to their learning. Inspectors highlighted a strong ethos of teamwork across the school.” She added: “Teachers plan learning collaboratively and effectively across the curriculum. Planning is progressive and ensures depth in learning and teachers have successfully developed a range of enjoyable and practical teaching approaches. “As the head teacher of Crosshouse Primary, I am extremely proud of the children, staff and community we serve.” Only one area was identified for continued improvement which is to encourage children to reflect more in their learning. Education Scotland said the school is in a strong position to maintain its success and confirmed that no further visits are required. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
