ONE of Scotland's first joint-campus schools has been given a glowing report by Government inspectors for breaking down barriers in education.

ONE of Scotland's first joint-campus schools has been given a glowing report by Government inspectors for breaking down barriers in education.

St Andrew's Primary, which shares a campus with non-denominational Cumbernauld Primary, was awarded two excellent ratings - the highest accolade possible.

Significantly, the Catholic school, which is part of North Lanarkshire Council's first joint campus, was given the top ratings for relationships between pupils and "equality and fairness".

Inspectors who visited the schools in Eastfield Road were impressed with St Andrew's close partnership with Cumbernauld Primary.

The Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education report also described pupil and staff morale as "exceptionally high".

St Andrew's was also praised for its quality of teaching, pupil attainment in English and maths, standards of behaviour and staff leadership.

St Andrew's, which has more than 200 pupils from Craigmarloch, Dullatur, Westerwood, Carrickstone and Castlecary, was awarded nine "very good" and four "good ratings".

Children at both schools are taught separately, but pupils of all faiths eat side by side in the canteen and play in the same football team.

Youngsters also travel to school on the same bus and share a playground and gold point star system.

Eileen Mulrooney, head of St Andrew's Primary, said: "As the first joint North Lanarkshire Council campus school, I am extremely proud our relationship with Cumbernauld Primary was identified as a key strength.

"There is real commitment throughout both schools to create a community where everyone is valued."

Betty Greenwood, head teacher of Cumbernauld Primary, said: "This report is based on the inspection of St Andrew's, but it is terrific reading for both schools given the many references to the different areas of joint working." The idea of shared buildings and facilities sparked controversy four years ago when the council's education officials unveiled a £150million plan for seven joint-campus primary schools.

The Catholic Church feared the proposals could lead to a "significant deterioration" in RC education and fuel indiscipline in the classroom.

However, last year the St Andrew's-Cumbernauld Primary campus clinched a hat-trick of awards, including the Scottish education award for behaviour and attendance.

North Lanarkshire Council is planning to increase the number of shared campuses following the success of the first seven.