A STAFF team from the Earlston High cluster has been awarded with the Achieving Results at Scale trophy during the Quality Improvement Awards in Glasgow.

Members of the Children and Young People’s Services were initially nominated for their approach to closing the attainment gap in numeracy.

And they beat off competition from colleagues in South Lanarkshire, Fife and Midlothian Councils to take the top prize.

Attainment Officer, Amanda Hamilton also made it to the top three of the Quality Improvement Champion category for her transformational work with schools on improving outcomes for young people using improvement methodology.

The results were announced at an event in Glasgow where the awards were presented by John Swinney, MSP.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, spokeswoman for Children and Young People, said: “Many congratulations to our group of innovative and committed staff from the Earlston area on having their hard work recognised at a national level.

"This was certainly a team effort with headteachers, class teachers, additional needs auxiliaries and senior leaders all involved in this important piece of work.

"It was quite an achievement to have made it to the top three in the country but to have received the overall award is a tremendous accolade and they should all be extremely proud.

“Congratulations to Amanda as well on being shortlisted.

"She is equally committed to achieving the highest outcomes for children and young across the Borders, and we are seeing some significant benefits in our schools from the work she is undertaking for us.”