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.
9. Netherlee Primary School
Netherlee Primary School in Clarkston is the 78th highest ranked primary school in Scotland with a score of 400 | Contributed
10. Kirkhill Primary School
Completing the top 10 primary schools in East Renfrewshire is Kirkhill Primary School in Newton Mearns. They were 79th highest ranked primary school in the country with a score of 400. | Google Maps
11. Mearns Primary School
Mearns Primary School in Newton Mearns is the 80th highest ranked primary school in the country with a score of 400. | Google Maps
12. St Cadoc's Primary School
St Cadoc's Primary School in Newton Mearns is ranked 81st in Scotland with a score of 400. | Google Maps