Paisley Pair Clinch Crown

The efforts of two Paisley schools to challenge sectarianism and help children better understand difference has been recognised with a national equalities award.

Pupils from Glencoats and St Fergus Primary Schools in Ferguslie have been presented with the 2025 Champions for Change award by Nil by Mouth in recognition of several years hard work aimed at making pupils better aware of different faiths and cultures as well as celebrating the strong community spirit in the area. The award recognises schools, businesses and individuals who have displayed longstanding commitment to challenging sectarianism in Scotland.

Pupils with their award

Over the past few years pupils at both schools have regularly come together on a range of projects designed to achieve this aim. In 2023 the schools unveiled a cross-community mural which local graffiti artist David Knox designed with help from the pupils.

Emma Alexander with the schools head teachers.

Last year BBC Scotland’s ‘A View from the Terrace’ star Duncan McKay took part in a football event to coincide with Scotland’s qualification for EURO 24. Pupils have participated in bus tours of Glasgow sights made famous by the novel ‘Divided City, used in schools to help tackle sectarian attitudes.  P7 pupils from each school also come together at an annual event in the Tannahill Centre led by Nil by Mouth, where they learn more about how sectarianism manifests and come up with ways young people can challenge it. Staff, pupils and families also regular meet and work together on wider community projects.

Nil by Mouth Partnership Manager Emma Alexander said:

‘Glencoats and St Fergus have been working together on a range of projects linked to equality and celebrating their community and it’s always a pleasure to be invited along to work with them. Our award panel was hugely impressed by the level of leadership shown by the staff at both schools and the creative ways they bring the schools together to learn and understand more about one another. And it wasn’t just in terms of events, both schools have a strong commitment to equality which flows through their curriculum, with great emphasis placed on better understanding others and taking the time to listen too and share experiences. There has been lots written about this area over the years – often by those who don’t live or work in it. We have only ever found imagination, friendship and a very powerful sense of community and that is why the schools are worthy winners of this year’s Champions for Change Award.’