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James Gillespie’s Primary is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children from Nursery to Primary 7.Our school is situated in Whitehouse Loan and serves the area of Marchmont and the Grange in the south of Edinburgh. The present school building was opened in 1991 and is set in spacious grounds with grass and asphalt areas at present where children can play in safety. The school has two annexes. One is the Nursery building and Gym Hall which is situated at the opposite end of the playground to the main building and the other is a modern annex which houses the two Primary 5 classes. The main building has 12 classes, an ICT Suite, a Music Room, Drama Area, Conference Room, and Hall which also serves as a dining area. All our classes are limited to 30 in size, from Nursery to Primary 7. Our school celebrated its bi-centenary in 2003 and we are very proud of our long tradition of providing high-quality education in this part of the city. We also have a part-time Business Manager, a full-time Administrator, a full-time and a part-time Clerical Assistant. We currently have 10 Learning Assistants, 1 Service Support Officer, and 4 Catering Staff. A school Nurse visits our school as well as Occupational, Speech, and Language, and other therapists to support pupils in a variety of ways. Our school vision is to create a happy, safe, and engaging learning community where everyone can develop positive relationships and experience personal success. We aim to develop the following values in all of our learners… Integrity – be truthful in all that you do. Equality – treat everyone fairly. Respect – treat everyone well. Diligence – work hard and rewards will come your way. Through these values, we encourage everyone in our school community to be… Successful learners throughout their lives. Confident individuals in a range of contexts. Responsible citizens at home, school, in the local community, and our country. Effective contributors at home, school, in the local community, and our country. Our school motto of “Strength & Loyalty” or “Fidelis et Fortis” in Latin, is reflected in those thousands of children who have moved on from this school to lead successful lives and hold strong bonds with their old school. Our curriculum will be delivered indoors and outdoors in all weathers. Children will learn outdoors in our school grounds, the local neighborhood, our city and region, and on excursions to other parts of our country. We ask teachers to take learning outdoors every week. We go outdoors to learn when this is the best place to carry out that learning. We are a non-denominational school with children and staff from many faith backgrounds and no faith background. We expect and develop an understanding of, and tolerance towards, all faiths and people who have no religious faith. We teach children about the major world faiths (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism & Judaism) We ensure all children are offered visits to religious centers representing our local religious communities. If any child requires a space to practice religious observance, this can be arranged with the headteacher. Each year, children learn about a different world faith. View full school

Our School, founded in 1803, is situated in the heart of the beautiful and vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland. We are a modern culturally diverse comprehensive High School, educating pupils aged 11 to 18 years of age. Our students describe us as a great school and a happy place to be part of. In November 2015 we were named in the Sunday Times Good Schools Guide as State School of the Year (2015) for Scotland. In addition to having an outstanding academic record, our school prides itself on the varied and extensive extra-curricular program of activities on offer. All our pupils are fully supported by a dedicated and committed staff who strive to ensure that all pupils realize their potential. We provide Gaelic Medium Education for students from S1 to S6. Our aim at Gillespie’s is to encourage each student to be self-confident, inquiring, tolerant, positive, well-rounded, independent and an individual who respects and appreciates the value of growing up in a culturally diverse and enriched world. By the time he/she leaves the school, we want each student to have that true sense of self-worth that will enable him/her to add value to society. Our ethos is excellent and frequently praised. The learning and teaching approaches are varied and student-centered. The school is open to change but as a reflective learning organization, we do not embrace innovation without careful thought. Our vision is to provide a curriculum that enables all learners at James Gillespie’s High School to achieve their potential. We aim for excellence in learning and teaching and expect all learners to be actively engaged in their learning. We recognize that learning is a lifelong process and is one to which we, as a school community, make a significant and lasting contribution. As well as an outstanding academic record, we are proud of all the extra-curricular programs of activities on offer. Gillespie’s has a particularly strong tradition in music and the performing arts and we besides provide Gaelic-Medium Education from First Year onwards. Our aim at Gillespie’s is to encourage each student to be self-confident, inquiring, tolerant, positive, well-rounded, independent – young men and women who will understand and cherish a rich and varied world. In an atmosphere of diligence, tolerance, and mutual respect, we aim to send forth secure, confident students – new citizens ready and able to enrich our society. Religious and Moral Education classes are non-denominational and study a wide range of world religions and personal beliefs. In later years our pupils have an opportunity to discuss topical subjects such as racism or multi-cultural issues. Classes are compulsory but parents do have a statutory right to withdraw their child and should write to the Head Teacher giving their reason. There is a range of extracurricular activities available for pupils during lunchtime and after school. Parents will be informed about these by the school. In addition to in-school activities, classes also make varied and regular educational visits and field studies. These visits are linked to pupils’ classwork. In all this, we are supported not just by our dedicated staff – striving every day to help every pupil reach their potential – but in an ongoing partnership with our parents, carers, and the local community. View full school