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.
Four primary school from North Lanarkshire ranked in the top 10 primary schools in Scotland in 2026, with primary schools in Airdrie, Tannochside, Whifflet and Croy being ranked the highest.
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 North Lanarkshire primary schools among Scotland's top performers in 2026.
1. Chapelside Primary School
Chapelside Primary School was the highest ranked primary school in Scotland with a perfect score of 400. | North Lanarkshire Council
2. Tannochside Primary School
Tannochside Primary School in North Lanarkshire is the fourth highest ranked primary school in Scotland and scored 400. | Google Maps
3. St Mary’s Primary School
St Mary’s Primary School in Whifflet is the fifth highest ranked primary school in Scotland. | Google Maps
4. Holy Cross Primary School
Completing the top 10 primary schools in Scotland is Holy Cross Primary School in Croy which is the fourth best primary school in North Lanarkshire. | Google Maps