'You’ve all been amazing': Praise from parents for Edinburgh and Lothians' teaching heroes as pupils start second week back in the classroom

We asked you which schools and teachers had gone above and beyond to look after your childrens’ educations – whether in classrooms or online – throughout the pandemic.

Here are a selection of your Edinburgh and Lothians educational heroes.

Lezelle Mellor was full of praise for Gore Glen Primary School, in Gorebridge: “All the staff have been fantastic – checking in every day and being helpful with everything.”

Deborah Smith thinks every member of staff at Broughton Primary School is a hero: “Well done guys. You’ve all been amazing.”

Kathleen Barclay believes all Scottish schools have done themselves proud: “All teachers from nursery right through to secondary have been brilliant during the pandemic. But special mention to St David’s RC Primary, in Edinburgh.”

Terri Little’s local school had even more to contend with than lockdown and online learning: “Thanks to all the teachers at Liberton Primary School who have dealt with a large fire, a decant to other schools and Covid in their stride.”

Carmen Wanless is delighted with the education her two children are getting in difficult circumstances: “Both Pirniehall Primary School and Craigroyston Community High School teachers have done a great job in supporting my two boys.”

Sharon Mcaloon highlighted some teachers who have been providing help beyond the classroom: “Staff at St Mary's RC Primary, in London Street, and St Thomas of Aquin’s helped me with food parcels when me and my son both had Covid.”

And June Jamieson singled out Woodlands School for ensuring no child is left behind: “It’s a special school and all the staff are so supportive and have gone above and beyond to support the learners, some of who have complex needs.”

Julie Dickson’s local school have also bee doing a great job: “I’d like to praise all the teachers at Holyrood High.”

There’s no doubt who Angela Dickson’s top teacher is: “Ellis McKay at Bathgate Academy goes above and beyond every day, wether it’s a pandemic or not.”

Joanne Robb Friend also had praise for an individual teacher: “Pinkie St Peter’s Primary, in Musselburgh, has been great, especially Miss Cornes. Her encouragement, enthusiasm and energy have been superb first time and second time round. From live streaming PE sessions, to fun online class meets every day, to extra online sessions for maths support, it’s been excellent. To be fair, all the teachers have been.

It’s not just school teachers who have been going the extra mile, as pointed out by Alistair James Stewart: “To extend this to college lecturers, I think my lecturer Sarah at Edinburgh College has been exceptional since the start of the pandemic last year and right through. She cares about us all individually, takes time to get to know us and makes sure we are all on track with our coursework. She is always a message away if you need a chat and has helped studying from home be that little bit less stressful.

Ayela Shmit was also thankful to Edinburgh College: “Jo Cockburn at Edinburgh College has been great. She has definitely made online learning bearable.”

Finally, Pauline Pullen echoes the feeling of many parents: “All the teachers have worked so hard, including the nursery teachers. I’m so impressed.”