Schools submit data on the percentage of pupils up to standard in reading, writing, numeracy and combined listening-and-talking. The Sunday Times aggregates this data into a maximum score of 400.
Schools with a higher proportion of deprived pupils are weighted to rise up The Sunday Times Primary School League table to recognise their achievement in delivering a good education despite the challenges of poverty. The data, based on teacher judgment, is drawn from the same government statistics that policymakers use to make decisions about schools and nurseries in Scotland. The league table ranks the 1,197 schools that submitted data for the annual Achievement in Curriculum for Excellence Levels publications.
13 primary school from East Renfrewshire ranked in the top 100 primary schools in Scotland in 2026, with primary schools in Barrhead, Newton Mearns, Thornliebank, Clarkston, Eaglesham and Giffnock being amongst the highest ranked.
Schools are marked against 4 categories: reading, writing, numeracy and combined listening-and-talking. Each category is scored out of 100 for a total of 400.
The full searchable table of 1,197 schools is available at The Sunday Times by clicking here.
Take a look below at the 15 East Renfrewshire primary schools among Scotland's top performers in 2026.
1. St Mark's Primary School
St Mark's Primary School in Barrhead is ranked 6th in Scotland with a perfect score of 400. | Google Maps
2. St Clare’s Primary School
St Clare’s Primary School in Newton Mearns is the second best performing primary school in East Renfrewshire with a score of 400 and ranked 18th across the country. | Google Maps
3. Maidenhill Primary School
Maidenhill Primary School in Newton Mearns is the third highest ranked primary school in East Renfrewshire with a score of 400. They ranked 19th in Scotland. | Google Maps
4. Calderwood Lodge Primary School
Calderwood Lodge Primary School ranked 70th across the country with a score of 400 and was the fourth best performing primary school in East Renfrewshire. | Google Maps