New Paisley Grammar Complete Guide For Parents

Founded by Royal Charter in 1576, Paisley Grammar School is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions.

For over 400 years, it has been a cornerstone of the Renfrewshire community, evolving from a small local school into a high-achieving secondary institution.

Known for its academic rigor and a list of distinguished alumni—including actor David Tennant and broadcaster Andrew Neil—the school is currently entering its most significant era of change in over a century.

Where is the New Paisley Grammar School?

The New Paisley Grammar School (officially the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus) is currently under construction on a state-of-the-art site at the former Chivas Brothers whisky distillery land on Renfrew Road.

This £85.5 million project is scheduled to open in August 2026 for the start of the new school term.

The relocation moves the school from its historic, but aging, 1898 building on Glasgow Road to a modern facility specifically designed for 21st-century learning.

Key features of the new location include:

Capacity: Designed to accommodate up to 1,350 pupils.
Facilities: Two full-size sports pitches (one 3G and one grass), a 300-seat theatre, a dance studio, and a fitness suite.
Accessibility: A new pedestrian and cycle underpass is being built under Renfrew Road to ensure safe access for students from the Gallowhill area.
Community Integration: The campus will be shared with the wider community, offering facilities for public use outside of school hours.

Leadership & Academic Excellence

Despite the change in scenery, the high standards of the Paisley Grammar school staff remain constant.

Leadership: Under the guidance of the Paisley Grammar school head teacher, Ms. Janice Levens, the school has focused heavily on the “Transition 2026” program. This ensures that the academic momentum built at the old site carries over into the new STEM-focused environment.
The Teaching Faculty: The Paisley Grammar school staff are currently undergoing specialist training to utilize the new “Makerspaces” and 300-seat theatre, blending traditional academic rigor with modern, vocational learning.

While the new Paisley Grammar offers 21st-century tech, many parents also look at the ‘Excellent’ rated facilities at Gryffe High School or the modern campus at Park Mains High School.

History and Notable Alumni

While the New Paisley Grammar School looks toward the future, its history is deeply rooted in Paisley’s heritage. The original 1898 building on Glasgow Road was designed by the renowned architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie and has served generations of “Grammarians.”

The school has produced a remarkable array of figures in politics, arts, and science:

David Tennant: Renowned actor best known for Doctor Who.
Andrew Neil: Prominent journalist and broadcaster.
Fred Goodwin: Former CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Kenyon Wright: Former Chairman of the Scottish Constitutional Convention.

New Paisley Grammar School Facilities: The £85.5m Experience

The new community campus is designed to be the best-equipped school in the West of Scotland.

Sporting Elite: Multiple 3G all-weather pitches and a massive indoor games hall that will be shared with the local community in the evenings.
The Arts: A professional-grade 300-seat theatre with integrated digital lighting and sound, making it a hub for Paisley’s performing arts scene.
The “Social Heart”: A large, light-filled central atrium that acts as a dining hall, social space, and informal learning zone.

Catchment & Transport for 2026

Even with the move to Renfrew Road, the catchment area remains largely centered on the East and Central parts of Paisley.

Walking Routes: New “Safe Routes to School” have been mapped out by Renfrewshire Council, particularly for students coming from the Gallowhill and Seedhill areas.
Public Transport: The school is perfectly placed for the McGill’s 7, 26, and 77 bus routes, which run frequently along Renfrew Road.

Curriculum & Wider Achievement: More Than Just Exams At Paisley Grammar

The Paisley Grammar school staff focus on a “Broad General Education” (BGE) from S1 to S3, followed by the Senior Phase (S4-S6).

What makes this school stand out are the “Wider Achievement” pathways that prepare students for the 2026 job market.

Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS)

All S1 and S2 pupils work toward Silver and Gold awards, focusing on community service, physical activity, and “Me and My World” projects.

The John Muir Award

Every S1 pupil completes this as part of Social Subjects, using Paisley’s urban greenspaces to learn about environmental stewardship.

Vocational Excellence

For S5 and S6, the school offers “Access to Industry” courses. These are “bundles” of qualifications in Hospitality, Creative Digital Media, and Sports Coaching, designed specifically to align with the local Renfrewshire labor market.

Key Induction Dates: June 2026

The transition program, titled “Get Set for the Grammar,” culminates in two full days where P7 pupils follow a high school timetable, meet their new teachers, and find their way around the building.

Primary School “Roadshows”: Throughout May 2026, members of the Paisley Grammar school staff will visit associated primaries to answer pupil questions.
Main Induction Days: Thursday 11th June and Friday 12th June 2026.
Note: Historically, these days have been held at the Glasgow Road site, but for 2026, special “site tours” of the new Renfrew Road campus are being integrated into the June schedule.
Parent Information Evening: Usually held in the first week of June. This is where you will receive your ParentPay activation codes and final uniform checklists.

Useful Links

FAQs

Who is the current Paisley Grammar school head teacher?

Ms. Janice Levens is the Head Teacher leading the school through its 2026 relocation.

Will the Paisley Grammar school staff change after the move?

No. The core teaching faculty and support staff are moving with the pupils to the new Renfrew Road site to ensure continuity of education.

What is the capacity of the New Paisley Grammar School?

The new building can accommodate up to 1,350 pupils, providing much-needed space for the growing population in Paisley.

Is there an early finish on Fridays at Paisley Grammar?

Yes. Like most Renfrewshire secondaries, the school follows the asymmetric week with an early finish at 2:50 pm on Fridays.

What colour is the Paisley Grammar school tie?

The tie is maroon with gold/yellow stripes. Senior pupils wear a slightly different version to denote their status as school leaders.