Archbishop Cushley officially opens new Catholic school

Holy Mass was celebrated recently to mark the official opening of a new Catholic High School in Winchburgh, West Lothian.

Sinclair Academy is named after The Venerable Margaret Sinclair, who is revered for her life of holiness.

Archbsihop Cushley said: “I am delighted that there is a new Catholic school in West Lothian to serve the surrounding community.

“Sinclair Academy is a splendid building, and it was an honour to be asked to bless it and to open it officially. It was a great pleasure to meet with staff and pupils, as well as Councillors and Executives of West Lothian Council.

“Congratulations also to the head teacher Dr Burns, and to his staff and pupils: may they be excellent learners, good citizens, and faithful disciples.”

Over £60 million was invested to build Sinclair Academy, Winchburgh Academy, Holy Family Primary and shared sports block to accommodate the demand for school places in the growing core development are of Winchburgh.

Sinclair Academy Headteacher Dr Gerry Burns said: “We were delighted to welcome Archbishop Cushley to officially open Sinclair Academy.

“Our fantastic new school building will help us build a real community of learning and faith, and we’re delighted to share it with all our special guests today.”

Sinclair Academy currently provides denominational education to 80 first year pupils, which will grow considerably each year until it provides a full S1 to S6 education by 2028/29.

Closing the event, Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “It’s so important we provide our young people with right environment for education, such as the fantastic facilities found at Sinclair Academy and throughout the Winchburgh Schools campus.

“Sinclair Academy will allow us to meet the demand for denominational education from local residents in communities in the east of West Lothian, such as Winchburgh, Broxburn and Linlithgow.”

Double delight as St Ninian's awarded for 'excellence'

Pupils and staff at St Ninian's Primary School and Nursery in Livingston are celebrating an excellent report from Education Scotland Inspectors, writes West Lothian News.

The school was awarded the highest rating of 'excellent' in two categories - 'leadership of change' and 'ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion'.

Since 2017, less than one per cent of primary school inspection evaluations have received an 'excellent'.

Headteacher Lisamaria Purdie said: "The whole school community is absolutely delighted to have received such glowing feedback.

"Across both the school and nursery settings, our incredibly talented staff teams work tirelessly to provide a setting where our children are excited to learn and develop.

"The hard work never stops and we will continue to reflect on our approach to ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible learning experience for children and families."

This report reflects the magnificent efforts of all staff, from the schools headteacher and leadership team through to nursery leaders and support staff.

Pupils were noted as eager learners as a result of high-quality teaching provided by staff who continually reflect and develop their practice.

Staff were also praised for their understanding of inclusive practices, specifically around the delivery of purposeful and realistic experiences for children, including those with additional support needs and for the innovative support provided to families.

Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “St Ninian’s has a faith-filled and positive learning environment. Lisamaria Purdie and her staff strive for excellence in teaching so this is a deserved evaluation that will be welcomed by parents and the wider school community.”

The full report can be accessed via the Education Scotland website here.