Thistle community update
November 2026
Update from the Headteacher
Welcome to the latest update on developing Thistle Primary School. It was great to meet parents and carers at the community information evening on Tuesday (27 October 2026). 

All the information covered on the night is included in this newsletter, and we will have many more opportunities for families to help shape the school over the coming months

In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, you can email us at thistleconsultation@renfrewshire.gov.uk

David Rigmand
Headteacher 
Thistle Primary School
Capturing pupil voices
A pupil voice session at Dargavel ELCC, Bishopton and Dargavel primary schools helped us understand what matters to children as we prepare for Thistle.
Watch the video
Starting at Thistle Primary School 
Thistle Primary School is opening in August 2027. You can start school at Thistle if you live in the school catchment. Check your catchment by entering your address in this catchment map.

Primary 1
Register your child to start in primary one by applying online between Monday 2 November and Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Primary 2 to Primary 7
Enrolment for children moving into Primary 2 to Primary 7 takes place in early 2027. We will provide more information nearer the time.
Help choose the Thistle school uniform
You can help choose the Thistle school uniform colour, which will also be reflected in the nursery uniform. 

The uniform will feature the Balmoral tartan with three colour options: 
Voting is open until Friday 6 November 2026.
Thistle uniform colour voting survey
School and community facilities
Thistle Primary School is being designed with flexible spaces supporting learning, play, sport and community use. 

It has: 

  • flexible learning spaces 
  • a gym hall 
  • dining facilities 
  • spaces to support children’s wellbeing 
  • an outdoor multi-use games area 
  • a full-size sports pitch 
  • outdoor play and learning spaces 
  • welcoming, accessible entrances 
  • storage for bikes, scooters and prams 
  • spaces used by the wider community outside school hours. 
Shaping Thistle together 
Shaping Thistle together is about making sure every child feels known, welcomed and connected from their first day. 

  • You will be known 
  • You will be welcomed 
  • Your friendships matter 
  • You will belong 
  • We will keep listening. 

“I’m most excited to find out what teacher I’m getting. I hope that people will be kind to one another at the new school.” Pupil from Dargavel Primary School.

You can also keep up to date by visiting the Thistle Primary School webpage.  
Parent steering group  
The parent steering group is now formed and will meet for the first time this week to work together with the Headteacher on helping shape the school and ELCC's identity, values and everyday life. There are further opportunities to share your views and help us get ready for opening and we will keep you updated as plans develop.
Early Learning and Childcare   
Thistle includes an Early Learning and Childcare Class (ELCC). 

It's being designed around the needs of younger children, with a dedicated indoor playroom, outdoor space for learning and play, and a separate, controlled entrance. 

Applying for an ELCC place opens at the end of November for families living in the Dargavel Panel area.  

We will provide more information about Thistle ELCC as this develops.
Nurseries, early learning and childcare in Renfrewshire
Online services and MyAccount, customer services, appointments at Renfrewshire House, how to make a complaint, compliment or suggestion. 

Education updates

Renfrewshire Council, Paisley, PA1 3EU

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