Nearly a quarter of kids at Cathkin High School rely on free school meals.
The school’s league tables, released last week, showed that 24.7 per cent of Cathkin pupils were entitled to free meals.
That was the second highest percentage in South Lanarkshire, and well above the national average of 15.5 per cent.
Both Stonelaw and Trinity were also above the average, 16.4 and 19.6 per cent respectively, meaning Rutherglen and Cambuslang kids are among the most deprived in the region.
The tables showed nine per cent of Stonelaw pupils gained five or more Highers in 2011/12. Both Cathkin and Trinity scored seven per cent.
Across the towns, 41 per cent of pupils achieved at least one Higher, with a further 21 per cent gaining three or more. The South Lanarkshire Averages are 47 per cent and 26 per cent.
The league tables have been criticised for focussing purely on academic achievement and failing to take socio-economic factors into account.
The actual number of kids on free school meals at Cathkin is less than last year, but the proportion remains a concern with those attempting to tackle the problem.
Rutherglen MSP, James Kelly said: “There is a concern that the number of free school meals at Cathkin High is above the average in South Lanarkshire and wider Scotland.
“Clearly more need to be done to address the inequality in our local communities. I have consistently led calls for greater investment in education and employment opportunities.
“In a modern Scotland it should not be that where you are born determines how much you achieve.”
Councillor Russell Clearie, whose Cambuslang West ward covers Cathkin, added: “There are areas of deprivation and this needs to be addressed, and the sooner the better.
“The most important thing is the children and their education. They really are the future.”
Both Mr Kelly and Councillor Clearie said all local schools were performing well.
Mr Kelly said: “I welcome the figures which show Stonelaw, Trinity and Cathkin all see good exam results and congratulate pupils and staff for their hard work and dedication.
“I note that the independent inspectorate of schools in Scotland has in the past applauded our secondary schools for the good relationships between staff and pupils and the positive approach pupils have to their work.”
Councillor Clearie added: “I’m delighted with the education pupils get in this area.”
The best performing school in the region was Strathaven Academy.
