Three schools have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to STEM education.
Bannerman High School, Caldercuilt Primary School, and St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Glasgow have each achieved the full STEM Nation Award from Education Scotland, which celebrates excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
Each school demonstrated leadership in STEM, community engagement, employability links, curriculum development and a focus on equity.
Bannerman High School was praised for broadening STEM participation beyond traditional subject boundaries, creating a more inclusive and inspiring learning environment.
The school’s distributed leadership model was highlighted as key to sustaining this progress.
Education Scotland also commended the school’s collaborative approach with cluster primary schools, which has strengthened P7–S1 transitions through STEM activities and increased pupil engagement.
Bannerman High plans to introduce tracking systems to measure the impact of STEM initiatives and deliver further professional learning focused on equity and inclusion.
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Bannerman High School (Image: Education Scotland)
Seonaidh Black, headteacher at Bannerman High School, said: “We are delighted to receive this STEM Nation award.
“It reflects the commitment to STEM demonstrated by a large team of staff and learners in Bannerman, who have been working so hard to promote STEM learning, knowledge and pathways across our school and wider learning community.”
Caldercuilt Primary School was recognised for its early introduction of workforce skills and its efforts to challenge gender stereotypes.
The school integrates STEM with health and wellbeing and literacy, and involves families through community-focused learning opportunities.
Plans are also in place to create biodiversity spaces in the playground as part of the school’s Eco-Schools Green Flag ambitions.
Gail Palmarini, headteacher at Caldercuilt Primary School, said: “As headteacher of Caldercuilt Primary School, I am immensely proud that our school has achieved the full STEM Nation Award.
“This recognition reflects our shared commitment to placing STEM at the heart of our curriculum and ensuring that every child, from the early years through to P7, develops the skills, curiosity and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“This award is a celebration of our whole school community.
“Together, we will continue to build on this success, creating inclusive, relevant, and aspirational STEM learning that empowers our young people to shape their futures with confidence.”
Caldercuit Primary School (Image: Education Scotland)
St Bartholomew’s Primary School earned praise for its work to improve gender balance and equalities in STEM.
The school partners with FemEng and Glasgow University to challenge stereotypes and inspire pupils from all backgrounds.
It also offers family workshops and home learning projects, and is planning targeted support for learners with English as an additional language.
Angela Fitzpatrick, headteacher at St Bartholomew’s, said: “We are immensely proud, as a school community, to have received the STEM Nation Award.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of our pupils, staff, and partners in embracing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as an integral part of learning.
“It celebrates our commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, ensuring our learners are well-equipped for the future.”
Donna McMaster, chief executive of Education Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Bannerman High School, Caldercuilt Primary School and St Bartholomew’s Primary School on achieving the STEM Nation Award.
“This takes the total number of schools with the award to 76, with more than 450 settings signed up to the programme.
“This is important because the skills which our young people gain from doing STEM subjects are vital for their future lives and work across many different jobs.
“I am delighted that Bannerman High School, Caldercuilt Primary School and St Bartholomew’s Primary School are providing such rich, engaging and varied STEM experiences for their learners and hope that this success will encourage even more of Scotland’s schools and settings to apply for the STEM Nation Award.”
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Christina Cannon, city convener for education and early years at Glasgow City Council, praised the three schools for their success.
She said: “This is a brilliant recognition for the children and young people, staff and families at Bannerman High School, Caldercuilt Primary School and St Bartholomew’s Primary School for all their hard work and dedication in developing inspirational approaches to STEM.
“We all know the importance of developing the young workforce and giving our children and young people the chance to learn about a variety of role models to help them make an informed decision about their future pathways.”
The STEM Nation Award programme is currently open to applications from early learning and childcare settings, primary and secondary schools and community learning and development providers.
