Ages 
One of the top academic state schools in Scotland, St Ninian’s has a strong Catholic ethos coupled with a modern approach that ensures children are well-nurtured and supported. Success is celebrated, as is ‘working hard’, one of the school’s key values. Whether academically, on the sports field, musically or in the arts, it seems that the fortunate young people who attend St Ninian’s do indeed flourish.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,900 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 280 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Local authority
- East Renfrewshire Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mr Gerry O’Neil
Since January 2022, Gerry O’Neil. Previously headteacher at St Andrew’s Secondary School in Glasgow for three years. For three years before that he was headteacher at St Benedict's High School and before that, depute head teacher at St Ninian's for
Entrance
Catchment area has tightened over the years but currently includes parts of Thornliebank, Giffnock, Clarkston, Busby, Waterfoot and Newton Mearns. Pupils come from primary schools including Our Lady of the Missions in Giffnock, St Joseph’s in Busby
Exit
Around two-thirds go on to higher education with the remainder heading for FE colleges, apprenticeships or employment. Good numbers accepted for medicine (16 in 2020, plus two vets). Understandably most prefer not to pay and stick with Scottish
Latest results
In 2020 at National 5, 84 per cent A/B; at Higher, 80 per cent A/B; and at Advanced Higher 74 per cent A/B.
Teaching & learning
St Ninian’s consistently ranks as one of Scotland’s top three state schools and the number of pupils achieving five Highers at the end of S5 has increased by 100 per cent in the last decade.
Language teaching is a particular strength: 90 per cent
Learning support & SEN
Dedicated SEN department with specialist teaching and non-teaching support. Children with complex needs are ‘well integrated into the school and highly successful.’
Arts & extracurricular
Over 80 clubs (all on-site, except equestrian and skiing) include young engineers, Mandarin, business and charity clubs (exploring subjects such as the trafficking of women and children), as well as the Young Philanthropy Initiative, an active
Sport
In keeping with west coast of Scotland tradition, football is perhaps the most popular sport – the boys were keen to point out the new 4G all-weather pitches. School team reached Scottish Schools FA Shield final and trophies are proudly displayed in
Ethos & heritage
St Ninian’s was founded in 1984 to serve a small Catholic population. Given that at the time ‘some people wondered where the children would come from’, it’s ironic that this is now the biggest school in East Renfrewshire and highly desirable. ‘Demand
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Dedicated pastoral teachers ‘who are your point of contact as a parent’ meet with children once a week and can be found ‘out and about with young people every day.’ One pupil said they felt ‘so lucky to be surrounded by such excellent people.’ Pupils
Pupils & parents
No secret that many move to the area for the schools and are prepared to pay increasing house prices. Stylish mums dropping off immaculate children from shiny Range Rovers can be seen, but there’s also a big chunk of lower middle class families
The last word
One of the top academic state schools in Scotland, St Ninian’s has a strong Catholic ethos coupled with a modern approach that ensures children are well-nurtured and supported. Success is celebrated, as is ‘working hard’, one of the school’s key
