staff at schools across East Renfrewshire have been given a glowing report card for helping standards of education reach new heights.

The annual Standards and Quality Report, which outlines areas of improvement over the past 12 months, shows “significant progress” has been made across all areas of education.

Councillors were told pupils in S4, S5 and S6 classes in East Renfrewshire achieved their best ever exam results in 2016/17.

And the proportion of primary pupils achieving the expected levels in reading, writing and mathematics increased to its highest level to date.

In addition, 82 per cent of children achieved the expected developmental milestones – an increase of eight per cent from 2015/16 – and three new schools, a family centre and a major refurbishment were completed.

Away from the classrooms, more than 700 pupils took part in school bands, orchestras, ensembles and choirs.

And, in sport, the under-14 football team at St Ninian’s High, in Giffnock, was crowned champions of UK and Ireland.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, said: “We are extremely proud of the quality of education provided for all and will continue to focus on raising the bar and closing the attainment gap.

“Our pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences and, with our significant investment in new schools and refurbishments, it means they also have fabulous learning environments.”

Other notable achievements include an increased use of digital technology in all schools.

Cllr O’Kane added: “So much has been achieved in the past 12 months and it is a tribute to the hard work of our fantastic staff, pupils and parents who ensure that all our children receive a first-class education.”