There were tears of joy as staff and pupils at an East End school celebrated Glasgow’s best primary report card from inspectors.

Sandaig Primary, Barlanark, gained four “excellents” and one “very good” from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.

Head teacher Moira McArthur cried when she saw how well the school had done.

Ms McArthur, who has taught at Sandaig for 17 years, said: “I was delighted. The inspectors recognised we want the best for the children and they do not miss out.

“We have a great team of staff here and we all do the best for the children, so to see that acknowledged by the inspectors, well, I cried when I read it.”

The school gained an “excellent” mark for Improvements In Performance, the first time a Glasgow primary has earned this mark.

Inspectors praised the “nurturing and warm environment” and partnerships with parents.

Pupils are given the chance to make penpals in America, Russia and visit their partner school in Holland.

They also work hard on the environment and have a vegetable garden with potatoes, peas and carrots.

Inspectors said pupils were polite, confident and full of respect for Sandaig and each other.

A report in 2001 also praised Sandaig, but said the building was in a state of disrepair and needed council funds to fix it.

The building is open plan, meaning all classes share space and can see each other working.

Depute head teacher Linda Burke, who has been at the school for more than 20 years, said: “After that report we had repairs to the building and new windows put in.

“Given a choice of a refurbishment or a new school we would choose a refurbishment. The building means a lot to us and the open plan classrooms are not disruptive. Instead, they make Sandaig feel like a family.”

Inspectors put the school under the microscope in May but parents were only told of the results after pupils returned from the holidays this week.

Grandmother Moira Lenehan and mothers Karen Fleming and Kelly McIntyre praised teachers for their dedication to the school.

Ms Lenehan said: “The teachers are 100% committed to the school and are always happy to talk to you and answer any queries you might have. As a parent you always feel welcome.”

Ms Fleming added: “The children are encouraged to share their thoughts.”

Councillor Jean McFadden, who is in charge of education, said: “This is an outstanding report and a fine example of the calibre of teaching in Glasgow schools.

“I am extremely proud of the head teacher and her staff, the young people and their parents..”

In March St Mungo’s Academy, Parkhead, earned five “very good” ratings, one of only three in Scotland to do so.

Notre Dame High, Dowanhill, achieved four “very goods” and one “excellent”, but Glasgow schools have yet to earn five “excellents”.

Nursery and high schools in North Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire and a nursery in South Lanarkshire have achieved top marks with five “excellents”.