Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your school of the year!
VOTE for your school of the year by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Drumduan School, Forres
INDEPENDENT Drumduan School, Forres has been praised for its ‘unwavering commitment to transforming lives and empowering children’.
Drumduan, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, welcomes children from two to 18 and provides a holistic education where individuality and potential are nurtured.
A nomination said: “I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in both of my children. They excitedly run to school each morning, eagerly anticipating the day ahead. The dedication of the staff, the inclusive approach to education, and the supportive community create a haven for children like mine.”
Volunteer trustee, Rosie Tait, said: “We are delighted and deeply honoured to be shortlisted. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of not just our staff and students, but the entire Drumduan community, many of whom are volunteers at the school.
“One of the things that makes Drumduan School so special is our strong sense of community. We are more than just a school; we are a place where everyone’s contribution matters.”
Botriphnie Primary School, Keith
BOTRIPHNIE Primary School, Keith has been hailed as ‘huge inspiration’ with its staff and pupils together creating a ‘fantastic school’.
The school was praised for getting youngsters involved in community projects and events; from fundraising and sending out Christmas cards to planting trees and tidying up the town’s war memorial. Achievements are celebrated in the monthly Botriphnie Blether newsletter.
A nomination said: “There is a family ethos and support for one another that fosters all to be determined and creative, developing as individuals no matter what age or stage. Their school is a huge inspiration.”
Head teacher, Rachael Smith, said: “I was quite shocked but it was a lovely surprise. There’s a proverb that says ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and, as a small school, we benefit from strong community support. The proverb encompasses our philosophy to work together to provide, not only the best education, but also to offer a range of opportunities so that each child can develop into their own person and achieve to the very best of their ability.”
Elgin Academy, Elgin
ELGIN Academy’s pupil support and community engagement have been highlighted in a nomination.
Staff have been praised for supporting the endeavours of its student body who regularly give their support to local charities. Pupils recently raised over £1000 for charities including Moray Food Plus, Mission Christmas, Kieran’s Legacy and Elgin Rotary Club. There were also large donations of food and toys for MFR Mission Christmas and Moray Food Plus. A nomination said the school’s ability to instill these qualities in their pupils is a testament to the dedication of the staff and leadership.
“Elgin Academy is fostering a generation of young people who are eager to make a difference.”
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Head teacher, Neil Johnson, said that everyone at Elgin Academy was working hard to improve the school experience for both pupils and staff: “An inspection last year was not what we wanted it to be, however the staff have been and are working very hard to improve attainment and achievement for all – and being involved in supporting the local community is part of the achievement profile of many young people. We want the opportunities available to meet the needs of everybody in the school.”
Findochty Primary School, Findochty
FINDOCHTY Primary School has been praised for not only being the heart of its community, but ensuring its community is at the heart of everything it does.
The efforts of staff in encouraging pupils to support the local community was also highlighted.
As well as litter picks and beach cleans, pupils make cards and gifts to deliver around the village – including ‘pocket hugs’ – and invite older residents to join them for special events including assemblies and shows.
A nomination said: “Findochty school works together to not only be the heart of their community but also keep the community in the heart of all they do.
“They promote aspiration, encouraging and supporting every child and staff member to be the best they can be.”
Head teacher, Dawn Thomson, said: “We’re really honoured, excited and proud to be nominated, it’s brilliant! We believe our school is a family and we have the community at its heart.”
The award for school of the year is sponsored by Ocean Winds
Mark Baxter, project director of Ocean Winds Caledonia offshore wind farm, said: “As the leading offshore wind developer in Scotland with two major offshore wind farms generating clean power and our Caledonia project in the pipeline, our centre of operations is in the north-east of Scotland.
“With operations bases in Buckie and Fraserburgh we are proud to be supporting the energy and jobs transition, contributing to long term economic prosperity of the region through direct employment and the regional supply chain.”
“We recognise the importance of supporting a range of pathways into the offshore wind sector including enthusing our young people about the sector. We have supported a range of school programmes across the north-east working with partners in SSERC and DYW and are delighted with the positive response to our engagement with schools and pupils.”
“As a business we rely on healthy communities and the commitment of the people in the communities around us. We’d encourage everyone to consider which community organisation or individual deserves recognition and vote for them as one of our local heroes.”
