These are the best performing state high schools in Inverclyde, according to the latest exam data available just released by the Scottish Government.
Each school has been measured on the percentage of pupils who received the Scottish Government’s educational “gold standard” of five Highers, or their equivalent – based on data published by the Scottish Government on its own website.
The top performing school in Inverclyde this year in terms of academic attainment was Clydeview Academy - which was ranked as the 78th best performing high school in Scotland.
These Higher result tables do not reflect schools or rank them in terms of ‘best to worst’ as that would fail to take into account factors such as the support offered to children with complex needs, the effort and quality of the teaching staff, working conditions for said staff, quality of the student experience, the funding the school receives from Inverclyde Council, or whether or not the school is serving an underprivileged and disadvantaged area within the local authority.
Throughout our coverage, we use ‘Highers’ as a term to mean both Highers and equivalent qualifications at SCQF level 6 and above, such as Skills for Work Higher awards.
1. Clydeview Academy
Clydeview Academy in Gourock tops the list in Inverclyde with 48% of pupils achieving at least five Highers. They rank as the 78th best performing secondary school in Scotland. | Google Maps
2. Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School in Greenock has a success rate of 43% of pupils gaining five or more Higher qualifications. Notre Dame High School was the 114th best performing high school in Scotland. | Google Maps
3. St Stephen's High School
St Stephen's High School in Port Glasgow completes the top three best performing schools in Inverclyde as 40% of pupils gained at leave five Highers or more in 2025. Overall, St Stephen's High School ranks as the 132nd best performing school in the country. | St Stephen's High School
4. St Columba's High School
St Columba's High School in Gourock saw 35% of pupils achieving at least five Higher qualifications. They rank 187th in Scotland and fourth in Inverclyde. | Google Maps