Tuesday March 3rd 2026
Swinton Primary School, Berwickshire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Berwickshire primary school has passed muster with inspectors – with its nursery provision attracting particular kudos.
The Education Scotland report on Swinton Primary School and Nursery class published on March 3 has recognised several key strengths in the school’s work.
During their visit in January this year, inspectors talked to parents, carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.
The nursery class received three ‘very good’ ratings for its curriculum, learning, teaching and assessment and well-being, inclusion and equality.
The primary school overall was rated ‘good’ for learning, teaching and assessment and for raising attainment and achievement.
It was found that children in the school and nursery are enthusiastic, motivated and engage well in their learning. They work together successfully, support one another, and demonstrate the school and nursery values well.
In the nursery, staff plan a “rich curriculum” that takes full account of all children’s needs and interests. High-quality play experiences support children well to observe, investigate and be creative. As a result, children are progressing very well in their learning.
In the school, staff work well together to create calm, inclusive learning environments. Their caring and nurturing approaches help children to make good progress in their literacy and numeracy.
Staff and children also use digital technology very well to support learning and teaching. Children across the school and nursery use a range of tools and platforms confidently to enhance their learning across the curriculum, and to develop their digital skills.
Two areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Scottish Borders Council.
Firstly, senior leaders and teachers should continue to develop their approaches to delivering consistently high-quality learning experiences for all children across the school. This should include opportunities for children to take increasing responsibility in leading their learning.
Secondly, senior leaders and teachers need to develop further their approaches to planning, assessing, and tracking children’s progress. This should help ensure all children experience appropriate pace and challenge in their learning, enabling them to make the best possible progress.
Headteacher, Rosemary Berrett, said: “I am very pleased with the findings of the HMIe inspection. The report reflects the school’s positive ethos and shared commitment for continuous improvement in the delivery of high-quality learning and teaching with a focus on raising attainment and achievement for all our learners.
“Our school team will continue to work hard to ensure an inclusive ethos for all our children and the wider school community.
“We view the identified areas for development by the inspection team as an opportunity to build on our existing strengths which will continue to improve positive outcomes for our children.”
Swinton Primary Parent Council Chair, Amanda Aitken, added: “I would like to thank our pupils, staff, parents and partners for their ongoing support and contribution to the life and success of Swinton PS and ELC.
“As the chair of Swinton Parent Council, I’m delighted with the positive results from the recent HMIE inspection for P1-P7, and I’m particularly excited for the Early Learning and Childcare team. Team Swinton is consistently dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment for our children, ensuring they have enriching experiences where they can truly express themselves and grow as part of the Swinton Primary School family.
“The areas highlighted in the report will provide opportunities for the school to enhance these aspects further. I look forward to supporting the school to make it the best it can be. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Inspectors are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
– HM Inspectorate of Education is the national body responsible for supporting quality and improvement in learning and teaching from early years to adult and community learning.
– The full report is available from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE) website.
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