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.
9. St Kevin's Primary School
St Kevin's Primary School in Bargeddie is the 72nd best performing school in the country and ranked ninth in North Lanarkshire with a score of 400. | Google Maps
10. Ladywell Primary School
Completing the top 10 primary schools in North Lanarkshire is Ladywell Primary School in Motherwell which ranked 95th in Scotland. | Google Maps
11. Morningside Primary School
Morningside Primary School in Wishaw is ranked 109th in Scotland and scored 390. | Contributed
12. Aitkenhead Primary School
Aitkenhead Primary School in Tannochside is the twelfth best performing primary school in North Lanarkshire and ranked 110th across Scotland. | Google Maps