STIRLING COUNCIL’S Education Service has received a prestigious award celebrating its work with teachers, classroom practice and children.

The council’s Broad General Education Team, who mainly oversee the area’s primary schools, has been recognised with an Excellence in Professional Learning award from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland).

This accolade celebrates and recognises schools and learning communities that support, lead and participate in professional learning which has a significant and sustained impact on teachers, classroom practice and the learning of children and young people.

Bryony Monaghan, Stirling Council head of Education, said: “This national award for the Broad General Education Team recognises the commitment to high quality, professional learning in schools across Stirling.

“The needs of our children and young people drive the learning opportunities for teachers which in turn helps to deliver positive outcomes for pupils and families.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our hard-working staff and it’s another example of the high standards of education being delivered in our schools.”

A total of 20 schools and teacher learning communities from across Scotland received the award from GTC Scotland, the teaching profession’s independent registration and regulation body.

Dr Pauline Stephen, chief executive and registrar at GTC Scotland, said: “It is vital that teachers are able to learn within a culture of professional trust and positive relationships.

“Our award recognises how teachers’ professional learning is being supported in our schools and learning communities.

“The commitment to learning throughout a teacher’s career helps ensure trust and respect in the teaching profession and positively impacts on the experiences and outcomes for learners.” 

GTC Scotland’s Excellence in Professional Learning Awards were first launched in 2017 to celebrate those within the teaching and education sector in Scotland who excel at leadership, always show professionalism and bring about a sustained impact on learning and learners.

The awards being celebrated now were due to be granted in 2020, but were delayed due to the pandemic.