Renfrew High School Guide

Renfrew High School is a non-denominational secondary school located in Renfrew, Scotland. Serving pupils aged 11 to 18, the school offers a comprehensive education for young people in the Renfrewshire area.

With a strong focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and community involvement, Renfrew High provides a supportive learning environment where every student can succeed.

The school has a long-standing reputation for high standards and works closely with families, local organisations, and employers to prepare pupils for life after school.

SEED Number	8630534
Standards & Quality Report	2024/2025
Feeder Primary Schools	Arkleston, Newmains, Kirklandneuk
Current Roll	881
School Type	Non-denominational secondary school
Head Teacher	Mr Andrew Sutherland
Inspection Status	‘Good’ Rating
Local Authority	Renfrewshire Council

Why Choose Renfrew High School?

A snapshot of what makes Renfrew High School unique in 2026.

Academic Excellence & Innovation

Reading Schools Gold Award: Renfrew High is one of the few in the region to hold the Gold Award from the Scottish Book Trust, proving a deep commitment to literacy and a vibrant reading culture.

Gold Nurture Status: The school has achieved Gold Re-Accreditation for Renfrewshire’s Nurturing Relationships Approach (RNRA), highlighting its focus on pupil mental health and wellbeing.

Life-Saving Skills: Every S2 pupil participates in the Heartstart program, with senior students often recognized for using these skills in real-world emergencies.

Vocational & Future Pathways

College Partnerships: In 2026, the school has a leading partnership with West College Scotland, offering pupils vocational courses in engineering, hair & beauty, and construction alongside traditional Highers.

Senior Leadership: Over 25 pupils annually achieve the SCQF Level 6 Leadership Award, preparing them for university and high-level apprenticeships.

Extracurricular & Community Life

Winter Market & Festival: A major local event held every December that combines a Christmas Market with musical performances, run largely by the pupils.

Charity Impact: In partnership with nearby Trinity High, Renfrew High raised over £1,200 for the “Brightest Star” charity in the most recent term.

Sports & Clubs: From Girls’ Football and Cheerleading to LGBTQ+ and Chess clubs, the school offers a daily schedule of activities to ensure every child finds their niche.

Performance & Attainment

• Positive Destinations: 98% (This is a massive win for Renfrew High—it’s significantly above the national average).
• National 5 Achievement: 73 pupils achieved a National 5 in Mental Health and Wellbeing (shows a focus on the “whole child”).
• Leadership: Record high of 28 S6 pupils earning the Level 6 Leadership Award.

THE SCHOOL

Renfrew High School combines traditional values with modern teaching methods. Pupils follow the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), which emphasises literacy, numeracy, digital learning, and wellbeing.

The school provides:

• A Broad General Education (S1–S3), covering all core subjects.
• A Senior Phase (S4–S6) offering National 4, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications.
• Vocational and skills-based pathways** in partnership with local colleges and employers.

Specialist facilities include ICT suites, science labs, a sports hall, an all-weather pitch, music and art studios, and modern classrooms designed to support engaging, inclusive learning.

STUDENT LIFE & EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Renfrew High School encourages pupils to take part in a wide range of activities beyond the classroom.

Opportunities include:

• Sports teams – football, rugby, athletics, basketball, and more.
• Arts and culture – music lessons, drama productions, and art exhibitions.
• Leadership & volunteering – pupil councils, mentoring schemes, and community projects.
• Clubs and societies – offering students the chance to develop new skills and make friends.

The school fosters a respectful, inclusive environment where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Admission to Renfrew High School is managed by Renfrewshire Council.

Pupils are normally enrolled based on the catchment area.
Parents/carers living outside the catchment can submit a placing request to apply for a place.
Transitions from local primary schools are supported with induction programmes to help new S1 pupils settle in.

For full details, parents should visit the Renfrewshire Council website or contact the school office directly.

EXAM RESULTS & PERFORMANCE

Renfrew High School publishes annual attainment results for Senior Phase qualifications, including National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels.

Parents researching the school can review:

SQA exam performance statistics.
Positive destination data (university, college, apprenticeships, or employment).
Comparisons with local and national averages.

These results demonstrate the school’s ongoing commitment to raising attainment and supporting every learner to achieve their best.

PARENTS & COMMUNITY

The school maintains strong partnerships with parents and carers through:

Regular parent evenings and reporting
Online resources and updates via the school website
Active Parent Council involvement

Renfrew High is also deeply connected with the wider Renfrewshire community, giving pupils opportunities for work experience, volunteering, and collaboration with local employers and organisations.

FAQs

Renfrew High School uniform policy?

Renfrew High School uniform policy requires black trousers, black dress or skirt, white shirt, jumper or blazer without a logo. The tie is blue and white with the school emblem.

Is Renfrew High a good school?

Yes, Renfrew high is a great school and even received a rating of ‘good’ in its inspection. The secondary school has received numerous rewards including the Reading Schools Gold Award.

Did Andy Halliday go to Renfrew High?

Yes, Andy Halliday went to Renfrew High. The former Rangers player grew up in the Renfrew area and attended the school until he was 17. Don’t let that put you off if you are a Celtic fan! Take it as a testament of the great sports culture at Renfrew High school.

What are the exact school hours for Renfrew High?

• Mon, Tue, Thu: 08:50 – 15:40 (7 periods)
• Wed, Fri: 08:50 – 14:50 (6 periods)
• Note: Interval is 10:30–10:45; Lunch is 13:15–14:00.

Does Renfrew High School provide free iPads?

Yes, under the Renfrewshire “Digital Learning” initiative, all pupils at Renfrew High are issued a managed iPad. These are used daily for classwork, homework via Satchel One, and collaboration through Microsoft Teams.

What are the Renfrew High 2026/27 Term Dates?

• Teachers Return: Monday 10 August 2026
• Pupils Return: Wednesday 12 August 2026
• October Week: Monday 12 Oct – Friday 16 Oct 2026
• Christmas Break: Close Tuesday 21 Dec 2027; Re-open Tuesday 4 Jan 2028.

Is there financial help for uniforms?

Yes. Families on qualifying benefits can apply for a Clothing Grant. For secondary pupils in 2026, the grant is £150 per child, plus a supplemental £50 winter payment. Applications typically close on March 31st each year.