A DUMBARTON school has been shortlisted for a prestigious education award.

Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School is in the running for the Secondary School of the Year prize at the Times Educational Supplement awards, which celebrate the extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation shown by teachers and school staff across the UK.

Only the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer are recognised in the shortlist.

Previously recognised as a School of Ambition, the school, led by head teacher Christopher Smith, was shortlisted for its outstanding academic results with many pupils going on to university.

The school also had the highest number of pupils in Scotland who used the Skills Development Scotland’s ‘My World of Work’ website to gain an insight into academic abilities, practical skills, interests and careers.

TES editor Jon Severs said: “It is more important this year than ever before to celebrate the fantastic work schools do, because in the past 12 months they have gone above and beyond to ensure pupils were able to be educated and be kept safe in extraordinary circumstances.

“We were inundated with entries that demonstrated just how hard the pandemic made the work of schools, and just how amazing the response from staff has been.

“We are looking forward to showcasing, as we do every year, just how vital our education professionals are to every facet of this country.”

Councillor Karen Conaghan, convener of educational services at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I am delighted to see the great work of both pupils and the whole school community being recognised in these awards.

“Our schools have faced one of the most challenging academic years ever, so to make this shortlist in these exceptional circumstances is even more special.

“I eagerly await the announcement later this month and I wish Mr Smith and all his staff the very best of luck.”

The 2021 award winners will be announced on Friday, June 25.