Ages 
A terrific state school with its own school of rugby. Despite recent controversy, the head is working hard to regain its previously highly regarded reputation. Pulls its punches academically, especially given its broad demographic, and applauded for its achievements in sports and extracurricular activities, of which there are many. Attractive to local residents and those looking for a placing request in a high-achieving school.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,370 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 202 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Local authority
- East Dunbartonshire Council
Headteacher
Head teacher
Brian Paterson
Since 2011, Brian Paterson BA PGCE, former head of Abronhill High of Gregory’s Girl (1980) fame. Educated at Paisley University, studying economics and politics, followed by a PGCE at Jordanhill teaching college in Glasgow’s West End. He taught in
Entrance
School roll was on the decline for a few years due to demographic changes in the local area but has now been operating at capacity for several years. Most pupils are locals and the rest (30 per cent) through placing requests, generally from working
- Open days
- October
Exit
Most pupils stay on until S6; a tiny percentage leave after S4, a few more after S5. About 70 per cent to HE, mostly Scottish universities – Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow Caledonian. Four medics but none to Oxbridge in 2025.
Latest results
In 2025, 93 per cent of National 5s were graded A-C, 89 per cent Highers at A-C; 73 per cent of Advanced Highers were graded A-C. In 2024, 63 per cent of National 5s were graded A-C, 32 per cent Highers at A-B; 37 per cent of Advanced Highers were
Teaching & learning
Like all Scottish state schools, uses the SQA system, but the curricular structure has changed in recent years. Pupils choose nine subjects at the end of S2, which is then narrowed down to six by the end of S3 for National 5 exams in S4. Essentially,
Learning support & SEN
Around 10 per cent of pupils have SEN, for whom a dedicated wellbeing base (commonly known as the HUB – Happy Understanding Base) offers support groups such as the Building Resilience, Pro-Social and Nurture groups, with a full-time member of staff
Arts & extracurricular
Art department amass with colour, with portraits, sketches, still lives and metal crafts aplenty. Senior school’s expressive art particularly impressive as were the beautiful patterned skirts in fashion and textiles. Photography is available to
Sport
One of Scotland’s 17 schools of rugby in partnership with Scottish Rugby and Lenzie Rugby Club. Recognised for its strong rugby heritage, investment has seen the addition of a new 3G rugby pitch so pupils (many from other local schools) now benefit
Ethos & heritage
Unremarkable 1960s buildings in leafy Lenzie that are now looking distinctly retro - not for long, though, as a new school is being built around 2025-ish. Pleasant brick court (quadrangle) in one wing for prizegiving; inside corridors are wide and
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Historically a highly desirable state school although its reputation became somewhat tarnished from the mid-90s to mid-2000s, with media coverage of drug use and bullying. During this period exclusions could be around 160 per year, whereas nowadays
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The school complies with East Dunbartonshire Council policy. All phones are switched off and kept out of sight during lessons. Teachers have some discretion to utilise mobile phones in class for learning and teaching purposes as required.
Pupils & parents
Majority from the local catchment area of Lenzie and South Kirkintilloch with around 30 per cent on placing request from around East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow. Around 18 per cent from BAME backgrounds. In short, a diverse mix of
The last word
A terrific state school with its own school of rugby. Despite recent controversy, the head is working hard to regain its previously highly regarded reputation. Pulls its punches academically, especially given its broad demographic, and applauded for
