Joy as schools do double at ‘Oscars’

Jun 19 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TWO Perth secondary schools are celebrating after scooping prizes in the “Oscars” of Scottish education.

Representatives from Perth High and Perth Grammar Schools travelled to the City Halls in Glasgow for the Scottish Education Awards – and walked away with statues for both schools.

Perth Grammar School received the Ambition Award, which meant a lot to headteacher John Low.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted. I’m not normally emotional but I was a bit when we got the nod.

“It’s a lovely recognition of the school’s journey and everything we have come through.

“A few years ago the school wasn’t a happy place but now it is very positive. It has been a super 24 hours.”

Meanwhile, Perth High School took the top honours in the International Schools category.

Headteacher Jim Scott explained: “The remit of the award was that it had to ‘permeate the school’ and we were against two primary schools so it was difficult for us.

“It’s easier to permeate all areas of the school if you only have 150 pupils but we have over 1250.

“But the judges said that it felt like there was international flavour in virtually every department and across every age and stage.”

Mr Scott added that there was mixed emotions on the night.

“It was very nerve-wracking but the pupils were over the moon to get the award, as it’s their work being recognised.”

Both school heads added that the award doesn’t mean they can stop working on their respective successes.

Mr Scott said: “We already have a footprint in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, and we have plans to extend that to India, South America and Australia in the future.”

And the two men both took time to congratulate the other on their win.

Mr Low said: “It’s great for two schools from Perth to get awards at the same time and it shines a light on how well Perth schools have been performing.”

Presented by BBC Scotland’s Sally Magnusson and comedian Des Clarke, the awards aim to highlight the best in Scottish education.

Both the Grammar and the High School learned they had reached the awards shortlist in March and in May assessors spent a day in each school, evaluating their work in their respective categories, before being invited to the final ceremony.

Councillor Liz Grant, Perth and Kinross Council’s Convener of Lifelong Learning said: “My warmest congratulations go to Perth Grammar School and Perth High School for their success at the Scottish Education Awards.

“National recognition of this type is extremely positive for the schools.”