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.
5. St Patrick's Primary School (Shotts)
St Patrick's Primary School in Shotts is the fifth best performing primary school in North Lanarkshire and 13th best in the country with a perfect score of 400. | Google Maps
6. St Andrew's Primary School (Cumbernauld)
St Andrew's Primary School in Cumbernauld is the sixth best performing school in North Lanarkshire and ranks as 59th in Scotland. | Google Maps
7. St Joseph’s Primary School
The Stepps Primary School was ranked seventh across North Lanarkshire and 68th in Scotland with a score of 400. | Google Maps
8. Whitelees Primary School
Whitelees Primary School in Cumbernauld is the eight highest ranked primary school in North Lanarkshire and 69th in Scotland. | Google Maps