A LEADING education body has rated the local schools service a class act.

There was double the cause for celebration as Inverclyde Council's education department threw a special event at St Ninian's Primary School to mark being presented with a coveted award and the success of a new generation of teachers.

As well as commending the 45 newly-qualified staff at the end of their first teaching year, bosses also marked being presented with an 'Excellence in Professional Learning' award from the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

The award, which recognises classroom practice and the achievements of children and young people, had been due to be handed over in 2020 until the pandemic put paid to that.

Education officer Alison McLellan told the Tele: "This is the first in-person celebration we've been able to hold in three years, so it was nice to get everyone together again.

"Being able to commend our newly-qualified teachers for their hard work whilst also celebrating our successes as an education establishment was excellent.

"The award has been three years in the making and is testament to all the hard work that was carried out - especially during the pandemic when we had to create new ways to deliver training."

Among those at the event were newly-qualified teachers Katie O'Hara and Craig Ellis.

Both have been working in the district over the past year, at St Columba's High and Ardgowan Primary.

Modern studies teacher Katie, who hopes to continue working in Inverclyde now she is fully qualified, said: "It was really nice to get together with other teachers and chat about our experiences.

"The year was brilliant and varied, but not without its difficulties.

"It's been great to be able to share what we have learned."

Greenockian Craig added: "It's been a hectic year that's totally flown in.

"I've had the best time teaching the young people in primary six at Ardgowan, we built up a great relationship.

"I'd love to hopefully stay on working in Inverclyde if the opportunity came up."

Education director Ruth Binks says she is 'delighted' that the GTCS have recognised the excellence of the professional learning on offer to teaching staff in Inverclyde.

She said: "We are proud that over many years we have built on existing good practice, supporting our staff to continue to learn.

"This includes developing creative and innovative ways of delivering training during the pandemic.

"Our staff are our most valuable resource and we believe in investing in them to ensure that our young people receive the very best learning experiences we can offer."