Welcome to a guide on the best high schools in East Renfrewshire – the highest performing local authority for education in Scotland.
Find information in our guide including the latest school ranking for East Ren secondary schools, academic performance of each school, inspection ratings, school holiday schedule, and more.
Each of the schools in East Renfrewshire have been covered in individual guides. Read parent reviews and find the latest relevant info for each of the schools.
East Renfrewshire high schools rank at the top of the Scottish national league tables each year. With a high level of parental engagement, generous funding for each pupil from the local authority, and strict catchment areas, East Ren schools tick all the right boxes to make a successful secondary education system.
| School/ Reviews | Religious Status | 2026 5+ Higher Rate (S5) | Inspection Rating | Enrollment Status |
| St Ninian’s High | Roman Catholic | 81% | Excellent | Near Capacity |
| Mearns Castle High | Non-Denom | 79% | Excellent | Oversubscribed |
| Williamwood High | Non-Denom | 77% | Excellent | Capped |
| Eastwood High | Non-Denom | 68% | Very Good | Stable |
| Woodfarm High | Non-Denom | 65% | Excellent | Stable |
| St Luke’s High | Roman Catholic | 48% | Excellent | Stable |
| Barrhead High | Non-Denom | 46% | Excellent | Growing |
East Renfrewshire Council follows strict guidelines for the school catchment area. Parents living in the area or who are thinking of moving to the area for the school system should be aware of the boundaries.
Applications for placement at any of the seven East Renfrewshire high schools will be based on the pupil’s permanent address. Parents will need to provide proof of address including utility bills, council tax, and tenancy agreements are typically requested.
Each pupil living in the East Renfrewshire area will have the option to go to a non-denominational school or a Roman Catholic high school as part of the dual catchment system.
Parents can opt to send their children to a faith based school without having to move home. Pupils attending secondary school from a local primary school will be presented with the two schools on the transition form for parents to choose.
Attending a primary school within the catchment area of an associated high school is the best option for gaining a place.
High School | Associated Feeder Primary Schools | Main Geographic Areas |
St Ninian’s High | Our Lady of the Missions, St Cadoc’s, St Clare’s, St Joseph’s | Giffnock, Newton Mearns, Clarkston, Thornliebank |
Mearns Castle High | Eaglesham, Kirkhill, Maidenhill, Mearns Primary (Part) | Newton Mearns, Eaglesham, Waterfoot |
Williamwood High | Busby, Carolside, Netherlee | Clarkston, Busby, Netherlee, Stamperland |
Woodfarm High | Braidbar, Giffnock, Thornliebank | Giffnock, Thornliebank |
Eastwood High | Crookfur, Neilston, Uplawmoor, Mearns Primary (Part) | Newton Mearns (West), Neilston, Uplawmoor |
St Luke’s High | St John’s, St Mark’s, St Thomas’ | Barrhead, Neilston |
Barrhead High | Carlibar, Cross Arthurlie, Hillview | Barrhead |
Lunch meals at East Renfrewshire secondary school operate on a 3-week rotation. After the holidays, week one starts again.
£2.80 is the cost of a lunch meal that’s set by the local council. Pupils receive a main course, side/ dessert, and as much salad, bread, and fruit as they like as part of the meal deal.
| Hub Section | Daily Available Items | Served With |
| The Traditional Main | Rotating specials (e.g., Chicken Tikka Wraps, Steak Pie, Veg Stir Fry) | Two seasonal vegetables |
| The Pasta Bar | Macaroni Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella Twists | Garlic Bread & Salad side |
| The Burger & Panini Hub | Crispy Veggie Burgers, Chicken Fillet Burgers, Pepperoni/Cheese Melts | Warm roll, fresh side salad |
| The Deli Counter | Custom jacket potatoes, pre-made baguettes, and wraps (Tuna, Ham, Egg Mayo) | Unlimited salad bowl access |
East Renfrewshire secondary schools follow the local council’s framework Standard Circular 8a: Bullying, Prejudice-Based Bullying, and Racism.
Each of the seven secondary schools listed follows the same procedure for preventing, recording, and resolving bullying. Standard Circular 8a East Renfrewshire Council’s approach following the Scottish Government’s Respect For All policy.
Schools across Scotland implement the same procedure for all the pupils and follow strict standards. Bullying is defined by the victim’s wellbeing and feelings rather than the intent of the ‘bully’.
Any student feeling left out, marginalised, or unsafe is considered to be a victim of bullying as per the East Renfrewshire Council’s policy. The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to track racism, homophobia, sexism, and any other form of discrimination and deal with it according to the Standard Circular 8a guidelines.
Scottish high schools have moved away from just punishing the perpetrator but rather implementing restorative justice. The pupil will have to confront the emotional impact on the victim and work with the school to come up with a change of behaviour and resolution to the problem.
Depute head teachers or other senior management team at an East Ren high school will oversee bullying incidents.
To make things a little smoother, we have compiled a list of essential resources for East Renfrewshire high school pupils and parents.
Find answers to some common questions regarding East Renfrewshire secondary schools.
There are 7 secondary schools in East Renfrewshire – St Ninian’s, Mearns Castle, Barrhead High, Williamwood, Eastwood, Woodfarm, and St. Luke’s are all high schools in East Ren and regularly rank as some of the best secondary schools in Scotland.
The best high school in East Renfrewshire is St. Ninian’s High School with a 81% 5+ higher rate and an excellent inspection rating. Followed closely by Mearns Castle and Williamwood. Each with an impressive inspection rating and high standards of education.
East Ren high school pupils don’t automatically get free meals. Parents must apply on the East Renfrewshire Council’s website and submit proof of income/ benefits to qualify.
Yes, East Renfrewshire Council enforces a strict catchment area procedure for schools. With such high performing schools in the area, places are very competitive, so pupils living in the boundary zone of each school gets priority.
Yes, you can submit a placing request if you live outside East Renfrewshire. Pupils living within the catchment areas will automatically receive a place at a high school. With the top schools at capacity, it’s very unlikely you will receive a place unless you move to the catchment zone of your chosen school.
