Schools in the Scottish Borders

The schools service is responsible for the education of almost 18,000 children across the Borders. Education is delivered through 9 secondary schools, 65 primary schools (46 with nursery units) and a number of private and voluntary sector nursery providers.

Gym shoes lined up in rows

Our schools consistently demonstrate high levels of attainment - well above national average. A number of the schools have support centers to help children with additional needs and offer part-time and full-time placements. We are pleased with this position but not complacent. We have five clearly articulated aims for the schools service that are focused on delivering continuous improvement. These are:

to develop the best learning and teaching experience for all that delivers high standards of achievement, creativity, motivation and ambition
to utilise our resources wisely to deliver effective, efficient and empowering learning environments for all
to promote inclusion and ensure equality of opportunity and access for all and to all areas of the service
to forge highly effective and productive partnerships and working practices with learners, staff, parents, professional colleagues and communities
to encourage and develop citizenship in ways that actively promote participation, confidence, responsibility pride and ambition

Further information on our aims and Local Improvement Objectives can be seen in 'Better - next steps for schools 2007 - 2010' the document that links national legislation and priorities, through SBC's Corporate and Community Plans, departmental business plans to school improvement plan.

Transforming Children's Service - the engagement process

Information on this important project can be seen on the TCS pages on our web site.

Consultation on catchment boundary between Priorsford and Kingsland primary schools in Peebles

The authority has launched a statutory catchment area on the boundary between Priorsford and Kingsland Primary Schools. The consultation is open to all parents of children in Peebles and anyone who may be thinking of sending their child to Priorsford school from August 2009. In the consultation document two proposals have been put forward for the new boundary and parents are also invited to put forward their own proposals. Closing date for this consultation is 29 August 2007.

Consultation on holiday/term dates and the asymmetric week - now closed.

The responses will be analysed over the summer and a report presented to Council on the way forward during this autumn.

Parental Involvement

We wholeheartedly support and encourage the involvement of parents in their child's education. In August 2007 the Parental Involvement Act became effective, giving parents new rights and education authorities new responsibilities to ensure that parents can become involved in their child's education. All evidence shows that when parents are involved in supporting their child’s education, children do better. The new Act builds on the good work that has already been done by parents, schools, School Boards, PTAs and other groups.

The act has three key themes:

learning at home
home/school partnership
parental representation - the new Parent Councils

All parents are now automatically members of the Parent Forum at their child’s school. As a member of the Parent Forum you will be encouraged to support events and activities at the school, get involved in your child’s learning and to support your school’s Parent Council. Each school in the Borders (with the exception of Burnfoot Community School which has decided to retain its existing parent body) now has a Parent Council. Further details on Parent Councils are available from each school's headteacher.

The Scottish Government's parental involvement support team has published a series of leaflets (below) to guide and help Parent Councils - these can be downloaded from Parentzone (external link).

Following consultation with parent councils and schools, SBC's Education Executive approved the Parental Involvement Policy on 3rd June.

Our Schools

To find out more about individual schools in each area, please select one of the

areas below: Two boys reading and working together

You can also find information on any other school in Scotland (external link).

Pupil Numbers (updated October 2007)

Twice a year the department publishes school roll forecasts for each school and information on the number of pupils each school can accommodate - the schools capacity forecasts.

General Information for parents and pupils

For more general and policy information about our schools, please select one of the links below:

Anti bullying policy
Attendance and absence management- new June 2008
Admissions to the Authority's schools- Updated Policy
Additional Support Needs
Better - next steps for schools (Local Improvement Objectives)
Broadband in schools
In Service Days
Parental Involvement
School Holidays
School Casual Holidays
Music Instruction in Schools
School Meals
Getting to School
Home Education Policy new May 2008
Pre-School
Psychological Services
Personal Learning Plans
Internet safety policy
Recruitment of headteachers and deputes
Byelaws on employment of young people - new version approved by Council awaiting SG ratification
Exclusion Policy - June 2007
University of Strathclyde's Assesment of Feuerstein Pilot in the Borders

Leaflets for parents

A series of information leaflets have been developed for parents on the following topics:

Admission to the Authority's schools

The Exclusion Process

The Exclusion Appeals Process

Composite Classes in SBC Primary schools

Resolving complaints about schools.

Reports

Standards & Quality Report - new April 2008

A copy of the latest Standards & Quality report for Education is now available. This report looks at the activities of the whole department from schools and libraries to community arts and sports. It summarises the work and achievements of our pupils, staff and outlines the areas for development in 2008 and beyond.

Download the new report here

View the news release about this report

Last year's report for the 12 months to January 2007

Statistical information on pupil exclusions and pupil abuse of staff in school - updated March 2008

A copy of the report which provides statistical information on pupil exclusions and pupil abuse of staff in school as approved by the Education Executive on 11 March 2008 is now available. Download the report here.

View the news release about this report.

Access All Areas Report

A report entitled Access all Areas which looks at inclusion and accessibility through the eyes of Borders school children was launched on Thursday, 13th September at Kingsland Primary School in Peebles. The report brings together the views of over 750 pupils who have taken part 12 consultations over the last three years set up by SBC and Children in Scotland. It provides a unique insight into how pupils view their school lives and in particular, what really makes a difference to pupils who require additional support during their education.

Quality Improvement Framework

Scottish Borders Council has developed a comprehensive Quality Improvement Framework for schools which provides the framework for continuous improvement and a robust framework of support and challenge. This is an extremely lengthy document but you can view the whole document or individual sections.

Parentzone (external link) - the website which aims to develop partnerships between parents and schools.

Eco-friendly Kids (external link) - website jam-packed with ideas and tips for you and your children to help protect the environment.

samples of art-class masterpieces