A GLASGOW primary in one of the city's most deprived areas has been recognised as one of the best schools in Scotland.

A GLASGOW primary in one of the city's most deprived areas has been recognised as one of the best schools in Scotland.

St Benedict's Primary in Easterhouse was awarded five excellent' ratings by the schools inspector.

It was praised for equality and fairness, good partnerships with parents, pupil care and facilities.

Head teacher Anne Marie McGovern, who said she aimed to foster a sense of achievement in pupils, was also singled out for leadership skills.

She said the secret of the 283-pupil school's success is teaching children to have respect for one another.

St Benedict's - the result of a £5.5million merger between three Easterhouse primaries - was also rated good' in 10 categories including discipline and pupil pride in the school.

Attainment in maths and English, which improved by 6.2% in 2005-2006, was also highlighted in the report.

Inspectors noted that youngsters had a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating and exercise through a focus on pupil wellbeing.

The school ran a series of campaigns by P7 pupils on anti-racism and anti-sectarianism which were presented to the European Parliament.

The school head added: "I've always tried to instill the attitude in pupils that they can achieve anything in life.

"We have a very clear vision and we want all pupils to have high expectations.

"The pupils really are a credit to Easterhouse."

Danielle Brown, a P7 pupil from Bailleston, said: "All the people in Easterhouse feel proud of St Benedict's."

Dean Scott, 11, of Easterhouse said: "The teachers are great. I want to be a chef or lawyer when I leave school."

St Benedict's is the result of an amalgamation of three former Easterhouse primaries, St Benedict's, St Clare's and St Colette's under the council's Pre-12 strategy.

Pupils moved into the state-of-the-art building - described by inspectors as an "attractive and stimulating environment for learning" - in 2004.

The council's executive member for education Gordon Matheson said: "The standards being reached in St Bendict's surpass not only those of schools in similar areas across the country, but also those of schools in more affluent areas."

Last year, Mount Vernon primary was awarded five excellents' and 10 very goods' making it the best-performing school in the city.