Glencryan School has been recognised for its strong, nurturing culture and effective support for children and young people following a recent inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE).
Inspectors visited the Cumbernauld school in January 2026 and highlighted the positive relationships, inclusive ethos and strong commitment to wellbeing that underpin learning across the school.
Across all evaluated quality indicators — Leadership of Change; Learning, Teaching and Assessment; Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality and Inclusion; and Raising Attainment and Achievement — the school was graded “good”, reflecting consistent and effective practice.
Glencryan is a school exclusively for children and young people with a range and complexity of additional support needs.
“We are extremely proud of the positive inspection, which reflects Glencryan School as a community where everyone truly belongs and where children and staff believe in themselves and in one another,” said Laura Rowe, Head Teacher of Glencryan School.
“The report recognises our strong, nurturing relationships, our inclusive and equitable culture, and the genuine value we place on children and young people’s voices.
“Alongside this, achieving the Rights Respecting School Silver Award is a significant milestone for us, reinforcing our commitment to placing children’s rights at the heart of everything we do.
“These achievements celebrate the hard work, character and enthusiasm of our pupils, the dedication of our staff, and the strong partnership we share with families. They give us great pride in our school community and confidence as we continue to grow and strive for the very best for every young person.”
Inspectors praised the way children and young people’s voices are highly valued. Learners are actively encouraged to share their ideas and take on leadership roles, with their contributions leading to tangible improvements in school life. This includes changes to facilities and the development of initiatives that promote equity, dignity and inclusion for all.
The inspection found that strong, positive and nurturing relationships are a key strength of Glencryan School. Senior leaders and staff know children and young people well and create calm, supportive learning environments where learners feel safe, respected and ready to learn. This approach has helped children and young people to settle well in school, engage in activities, and develop confidence and independence.
Inspectors also highlighted the school’s inclusive and respectful culture, noting that children and young people feel valued members of the school community. Staff place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, rights and equality, including tailored support for learners with complex additional needs.
Almost all children and young people experience high levels of inclusion and are supported effectively to meet their individual needs.
The report recognises that children and young people are developing important skills for later life, including communication, independence and vocational skills. In the senior phase, young people benefit from meaningful learning pathways linked to qualifications, employability, supported employment and positive post-school destinations.
Inspectors noted an increase in the number of young people moving on successfully to further education, training and employment.
Learning and teaching across the school was described as effective, with staff adapting learning well to meet individual needs and using a range of approaches — including digital technologies, play-based learning and outdoor learning — to engage children and young people.
Inspectors also highlighted good progress in literacy, numeracy and wider achievements, with learners making steady progress over time and celebrating success in real-life contexts.