St Andrew’s Academy is arguably the most prestigious Catholic secondary school in Renfrewshire.

For parents, it offers a distinct “best of both worlds” experience: the community-focused ethos of a faith school combined with some of the most consistent academic results in the West of Scotland.

As of March 2026, St Andrew’s, Paisley is operating at near capacity, making accurate information on catchments and entry requirements vital for families.

St Andrew’s Catchment Area & Associated Feeders

As a denominational school, St Andrew’s has a “Hub” model. Unlike non-denominational schools, it draws from a vast geographic area.

The Associated “Core” Primaries:

• St Charles’ Primary (South Paisley)
• St Mary’s Primary (West End)
• St John Ogilvie Primary (Shortroods)
• St Peter’s Primary (Glenburn)
• St James’ Primary (Renfrew Road)
• St Paul’s, St Fergus’, and St Catherine’s

If you live in a non-denominational catchment (like Lochfield or Todholm), you must submit a Placing Request by March 15.

Because the school roll is currently sitting at ~1,250 pupils, “out-of-catchment” spaces are extremely rare for the August S1 intake.

Digital Equity & The “iPad for All” Strategy

St Andrew’s has become a regional leader in digital learning through its “Raising Attainment through Digital Equity” initiative. For parents, this means the school day doesn’t end when the bell rings.

1:1 Device Deployment

Every pupil is issued a managed iPad for the duration of their time at the Academy. This ensures that homework and revision materials are accessible regardless of home circumstances.

The “Showbie” Ecosystem

Unlike schools that use multiple confusing apps, St Andrew’s has standardized on Showbie and Satchel One. Parents can see real-time feedback from the St Andrew’s Academy staff on their child’s assignments.

Cyber-Safety Gold Standard

The school holds a Digital Schools Award, meaning they provide termly workshops for parents on navigating TikTok and AI safety, a massive concern for parents of S1-S3 pupils.

Looking for the non-denominational alternative in Paisley? Explore our guide to the brand-new Paisley Grammar School campus or compare results with the high-achieving Gryffe High School. 

Sports at St. Andrew’s High School

St Andrew’s Academy is widely recognized as a “Sporting School,” thanks in large part to its elite partnerships and its modern facilities that serve both pupils and the wider Paisley community.

The school remains a key hub for the OneRen community sports network, meaning the facilities are maintained to a high professional standard.

The St Mirren Partnership

The most famous aspect of the school’s sports provision is its official status as an Academy Education Partner for St Mirren FC.

The Pro-Youth Environment

Many of St Mirren’s youth players are educated at St Andrew’s. This creates an aspirational atmosphere where high-level coaching standards trickle down to the school’s own teams.

School Teams

St Andrew’s enters teams into the Paisley & Johnstone District Schools leagues at every age group (S1 through S6). The S1 and S3 teams are historically among the strongest in Renfrewshire.

Coaching Internships

The school has strengthened links with West College Scotland, allowing senior pupils interested in sports careers to gain coaching qualifications while assisting with junior school teams.

On-Site Facilities

The school underwent a major “Sports Refresh” in late 2024, ensuring the equipment meets the needs of the SQA Higher PE curriculum.

• The Games Hall: A massive multi-court indoor arena used for basketball, netball, and badminton.
• Full-Size 3G Pitch: A floodlit all-weather football and rugby pitch that is used during the day for PE and leased to local clubs (like St Mirren Youth FC) in the evenings.
• The Fitness Suite: A dedicated gym area equipped with fixed and free weights, used primarily by S5 and S6 pupils for the National Progression Award (NPA) in Exercise and Fitness.
• Dance & Aesthetic Studio: A mirrored studio used for the school’s award-winning dance troupes and gymnastics units.

Inclusion & The “Learning Hub” Model

One of the main reasons parents fight for a placing request at St Andrew’s is its “Inclusion First” reputation. The school doesn’t just “deal” with Additional Support Needs (ASN); it integrates them into a specialized Learning Hub.

The “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” Framework

Every pupil with ASN has a personalized profile that is updated termly. Regular collaboration between parents, Mrs. Fiona Gillies (Head Teacher), and external specialists ensures that support is proactive, not reactive.

The Nurture Hub

A dedicated space for pupils who struggle with the sensory overwhelm of a 1,200-pupil school. It provides a quiet, supervised environment for lunch breaks and “soft starts” to the school day.

Exam Access Arrangements

The school is exceptionally efficient at securing SQA concessions (extra time, scribes, or digital papers). If your child has dyslexia or ADHD, the St Andrew’s Academy staff start the evidence-gathering process as early as S1.

2026 School Improvement Priorities

The school has introduced “Short Term Sprints” for pupils who are just behind their expected level. The goal for June 2026 is for 90% of S2 pupils to be secure at Third Level Numeracy.

• Outdoor Learning: Every S1-S3 pupil now participates in at least one outdoor learning experience per week, utilizing the nearby Gleniffer Braes. This is designed to improve mental wellbeing and “ecological literacy.”
• Attendance Drive: The school is aiming for a 93% average attendance by June 2026. They have introduced a “Family Support Worker” to help families struggling with school school refusal or long-term illness.

The school’s “Adaptive Teaching” model, launched in 2024, has been credited with closing the attainment gap.

By S4, pupils who were “at risk” of underachieving are statistically more likely to secure a positive destination here than the regional average.

Useful Links For St. Andrew’s Academy

Find a few links below that could come in handy for St. Andrews.

• Official School Website: Best for the Weekly Bulletin and Staff List.
• ParentPay Portal: The school is strictly cashless for lunches and trips.
• Renfrewshire Transport Eligibility: Check if you qualify for the bus pass from areas like Foxbar or Glenburn.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions you may have about St. Andrew’s Academy.

What is the deadline for a placing request for the 2026/27 term?

All placing requests for the August 2026 start must be submitted to Renfrewshire Council by March 15, 2026. If you apply by this date, you will receive a decision by April 30th. Applications submitted after this deadline are still considered but places may be limited.

Can my child attend St Andrew’s Academy if they are not Catholic?

Yes. While priority is given to baptized Catholic children from the associated feeder primaries, the school welcomes pupils of all faiths or none. If the school is oversubscribed, the council’s standard priority criteria (catchment, siblings, etc.) will apply.

When are the S1 transition/induction days for June 2026?

The main P7 induction days are scheduled for Thursday 11th June and Friday 12th June 2026. During these two days, P7 pupils will follow a secondary timetable and meet the

What are the school bus routes for St Andrew’s Academy?

The school is well-served by McGill’s Buses. Key routes include: Service 66: Links Dykebar, Lochfield, and Paisley Town Centre. Service 6: Links Silverburn, Pollok, and Barrhead Road. Service 10: Connects the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Ben Nevis Estate.

Note: Free transport is generally provided only for pupils living more than 3 miles from the school (in-catchment).

What is the official St. Andrew’s Academy school uniform?

The uniform is strictly enforced to maintain high standards. It consists of a Royal Blue blazer with gold braiding, a white shirt, and the school tie. Black trousers or skirts and plain black shoes are required. Uniforms can be purchased from local suppliers like Schoolwear Made Easy and Baru.

How do I track my child’s homework and progress?

The school uses the Satchel One (formerly Show My Homework) app. St Andrew’s Academy staff post all assignments, deadlines, and school announcements here. Parents require a unique code from the school office to link their accounts.

Who is the current St Andrew’s Academy head teacher?

The school is currently led by Mr. Kevin Henry. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the school and overseeing the 2026 school improvement priorities.