City of Edinburgh Council

Education and learning news

Council opens a new chapter for young readers

Looked after children receive free books

Published on Thursday 24 May 2012

Edinburgh Looked After Children are set to receive a brand new book every month, until they are five, as part of a city wide initiative to support children in the City of Edinburgh’s care.

Council calls for more apprenticeships throughout the city

Edinburgh Guarantee

Tuesday 22 May 2012

The Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Sue Bruce, was joined by 50 young apprentices to mark the start of Scottish Apprentice Week.

Opening doors to adult learning

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Exploring hieroglyphs, learning IT and discovering family history, are just some of the free taster courses that are running from 11 – 18 May 2012 to mark Adult Learners’ Week.

Employment programme helps give young people the right start

Young people awarded JET certificates

Monday 23 April 2012

More than 200 young people from across Edinburgh were awarded for successfully completing their Job, Education and Training Programme (JET) at an awards ceremony on Thursday (19 April).

Pupils put the fizz, sparkle and pop back into business

Friday 20 April 2012

Drummond High School and Gracemount High School are going head to head in a lemonade sell-off to test their business skills.

Council to pursue protest group for court costs

Friday 30 March 2012

The City of Edinburgh Council is to pursue Portobello Park Action Group (PPAG) for the costs incurred in their recent legal case against the Council.

Paolozzi Art Prize launched for artists of the future

Paolozzi, Art, Prize

Monday 12 March 2012

The prestigious new Paolozzi Art Prize was launched today (Monday 12 March) in the City Art Centre with the help of the late artist’s sister, Yolanda Tartaglia.

Statement in response to Portobello judgement

Wednesday 7 March 2012

The Court of Session today, Tuesday 7 March, upheld the Council’s appropriation of part of Portobello Park for the construction of a new Portobello High School.

History of Edinburgh unearthed through new project

Site of the Kirk O'Field Old College, 1870

Friday 2 March 2012

A new initiative to bring Edinburgh’s colourful past to life is to be launched at the EDGE 2012 conference today (2 March).

Edinburgh launches Froebel book

book, launch, early, education

Tuesday 28 February 2012

The City of Edinburgh Council today joined publishers, SAGE, to launch a cutting edge book about early education practice.

School Police support rolled out across the City

police, support, schools

Thursday 23 February 2012

Dedicated police support is being rolled out to all 23 Edinburgh high schools in a bid to help tackle crime, bullying and exclusion.

Consultation begins on options for Boroughmuir High School

Monday 20 February 2012

The City of Edinburgh Council today (20 February) announced the start of a statutory consultation on the future location of Boroughmuir High School.

A new dawn for the future of libraries

Library book shelves

Thursday 16 February 2012

A new future for Edinburgh’s libraries is to be decided next week following a consultation with almost 10,000 people.

Little Chefs Open Learning Kitchen

Learning kitchen opening at Lorne Primary School

Thursday 9 February 2012

Lorne Primary School children were joined by top chef and ex-pupil, Tony Singh to unveil their new Learning Kitchen, donated by John Lewis, as part of an initiative to encourage healthy eating.

New high school plans given the green light

Thursday 19 January 2012

Plans to build a state-of-the-art building to accommodate James Gillespie’s High School have now been approved.

Young people debate future priorities for the Capital

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Young people from across Edinburgh are coming together today to have their say on the future priorities for the city.

New Royston / Wardieburn community centre opens

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Royston and Wardieburn residents joined together to mark the official opening of the area’s new state-of-the-art Community Centre.

Pupils design school tie in memory of teacher

Friday 13 January 2012

Pupils at James Gillespie’s High School have come together to design their new school tie to celebrate the life of History Teacher, Mr Caddell, who died last year.

Craigmount pupils play a soulful tribute to teacher

Wednesday 11 January 2012

Tickets are on sale for Hit the Stage, Craigmount High School's tribute concert in memory of their deputy Head Teacher, Beth McDonald, and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Council works hard to ensure pupils are back in school after severe weather destroys roof

Friday 6 January 2012

The Council has rapidly put in place temporary measures to ensure that pupils of Kaimes School are able to return near to the start of term, after the high winds caused significant roof damage.

Council responds to misleading and inaccurate SSTA letter

Friday 23 December 2011

The Depute General Secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) has written to members about the Council's implementation of changes to secondary school management posts.

Edinburgh schools compete to be savvy shoppers

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Edinburgh schools are competing in the Young Consumer of the Year competition, which will see them battle it out for the chance to compete in the national final next year.

Scottish skiing And Save Our Suntrap set to receive additional funding

Friday 9 December 2011

Sports and outdoor education projects have been awarded more than £300,000 in funding by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Pensions and Trusts Committee.

Edinburgh Guarantee to aim for a positive destination for every school leaver

Thursday 8 December 2011

A call has gone out to city businesses and organisations across all sectors to provide jobs, paid work experience, training or continued education for every school leaver in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Guarantee gives employment boost to young people

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Standard Life has become the first company to formally sign up to the Edinburgh Guarantee and offer roles for young people.

Broughton Primary School is dreaming of literary success

Broughton Primary School book launch

Friday 2 December 2011

Primary six and seven pupils from Broughton Primary School unveiled their very own book at Edinburgh’s City Chambers today.

Celebrating Green Pencil Award winners

Green Pencil Award Winner 2011

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Twenty primary pupils in Edinburgh were congratulated at the Green Pencil Awards 2011 in the Central Library last Friday (25 November).

Ten years on and success of Minitrials goes on

Edinburgh minitrial 2010

Tuesday 29 November 2011

This year pupils from schools in Edinburgh, Ayr and Paisley, have been laying down the law, proving that ten years-on MiniTrials are still an educational way for pupils to experience Scots Law.

Twenty young scribes to be honoured at Green Pencil Awards

Thursday 24 November 2011

Twenty children will be presented with Green Pencil Awards at a special ceremony hosted by Councillors Deidre Brock and Ron Cairns at the Central Library tomorrow night (Friday 25 November 2011).

Top Edinburgh Children and Families Projects Awarded

Thursday 24 November 2011

A ghost story with serious messages about bullying, a scheme that sets dads on a mission, and a project supporting children’s mental wellbeing, have all been awarded for their work.

Boroughmuir High moves a step closer to Fountainbridge

Thursday 10 November 2011

A bid to buy land for the new Boroughmuir High School in the Fountainbridge area has been accepted by the seller Lloyds Banking Group.

Fanfare Concert showcases Edinburgh's young musical talent

Band practice

Friday 4 November 2011

Tickets are now on sale for Edinburgh’s musical extravaganza, the Fanfare Concert, which takes place on 18 November at St Paul’s and St. George's Church.

New Edinburgh Gaelic school given the go-ahead

Thursday 27 October 2011

Plans for a new Gaelic school in Leith, Edinburgh, have been given the go-ahead by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Council urges parents to choose local schools

Primary puplis

Thursday 27 October 2011

Parents are being advised to visit and learn more about their catchment primary school before applying for a place at a school in a different area.

Edinburgh schools to go wireless in major tech revamp

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Council run schools and the majority of community education centres are set to get access to WIFI as part of a £5.3 million investment IT services.

Edinburgh's adult educators join forces

Thursday 29 September 2011

A new partnership aimed at improving the range and quality of adult education opportunities in Edinburgh is being launched tomorrow at the Central Library.

Edinburgh pupils Get Set for the Games

Get Set for the Games

Friday 16 September 2011

Edinburgh schools will join the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a series of cultural and sporting events across the city.

Balfour Beatty set for Portobello High School construction contract

Friday 16 September 2011

The Council is set to award the construction contract for the new Portobello High School to Balfour Beatty Construction.

Council will defend Portobello High plans in court

New Portobello high school

Tuesday 13 September 2011

The Council has confirmed that it will vigorously defend its plans to build the new Portobello High School on Portobello Park.

Building 'DNA' and tough security to tackle metal thieves

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Some city buildings are to get their own forensic identity as part of a major effort to thwart metal thieves.

Blue chip companies to give school leavers jobs boost

Wednesday 3 August 2011

A new scheme to dramatically improve job prospects for school leavers is being endorsed from major blue chip businesses in the Capital.

Grassmarket set to mark national Playday with giant kids zone

Young child with flower between fingers

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket will be transformed into a giant children’s play area on Wednesday (3 August) to mark national Playday.

Garden party for top tots nursery

Friday 15 July 2011

Children from an award-winning nursery run by the City of Edinburgh Council are holding a special garden party to celebrate scooping another accolade.

Vote for Murrayburn Primary before Friday 15th!

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Cast your vote on Facebook to help Edinburgh and Scotland's only entry to a £30k playground revamp competition that does exactly what it says on the tin

Move to improve future of Edinburgh school leavers

Tuesday 28 June 2011

A summit has taken place today involving major employers and other organisations with the aim of tackling low levels of employment, training and further education among Edinburgh’s school leavers.

Town and gown international link-up to be formalised

Friday 17 June 2011

The relationship between the Council and the city's universities and colleges is to be re-invigorated in a signing ceremony later today.

Craigour Park Pupils launch their new book

Craigour Park book launch

Friday 17 June 2011

Primary six pupils from Craigour Park Primary School have revealed their new children's book, Liam and the Alien.

New Gaelic school proposed for Edinburgh

Thursday 9 June 2011

The outcome of a city-wide consultation on the future of nursery and primary Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in Edinburgh is recommending that a dedicated school be established.

Education Leader discusses delaying entry to primary school

Thursday 19 May 2011

Educational practice can be a victim of fashion as much as anything else and recent trends have seen an increase in the number of parents requesting to defer their child’s entry to primary school.

Craigroyston Community High to host Edinburgh Learning Festival

Thursday 12 May 2011

The Edinburgh Learning Festival returns for a second year this Saturday to give parents the opportunity to see Curriculum for Excellence in action.

Primary school pupils put their best feet forward

Walk Edinburgh Week

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Pupils from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Primary School stepped out from their classes today (3 May) to encourage people to sign up for ‘Walk Edinburgh Week’.

Clovenstone Primary School re-opens tomorrow (Wednesday 4 May)

Tuesday 3 May 2011

The school will re-open to pupils following the burst water main incident this morning.

Pupils go that eggstra mile for care home party

Wednesday 6 April 2011

A special Easter eggstravaganza party is being held for an Edinburgh care home by big-hearted pupils from Drummond Community High School.

Record turnout as new Youth Parliamentarians elected

Monday 4 April 2011

The newest Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament to represent Edinburgh were today unveiled at the City Chambers.

Open day at Sighthill's new community hub

Tuesday 29 March 2011

The new Gate 55 community hub at Sighthill Road is having an open day on Monday 4th April.

Young people get a taste of the past

Tuesday 22 March 2011

Young people from Leith have gained hands-on experience of traditional building skills as part of the Leith Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Edinburgh schools link up with Hibs for learning initiative

Tuesday 22 March 2011

Pupils in Edinburgh are to get the opportunity to learn at Easter Road through a Curriculum for Excellence based link-up between Hibernian Community Foundation and the City of Edinburgh Council.

High praise for Stenhouse Primary

Stenhouse Primary School

Friday 18 March 2011

School inspectors have given Stenhouse Primary School and its nursery class a glowing report on the back of a recent inspection.

Voting underway in Scottish Youth Parliament Elections

Scottish Youth Parliament candidates

Monday 14 March 2011

Young people across Edinburgh have begun voting for candidates vying for a seat in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Council approves nursery closure plans

Thursday 10 March 2011

Proposals to close two Edinburgh nursery schools were agreed today at the city's council meeting. High School Yards and Princess Elizabeth nurseries are set to close at the end of the school year.

Lorne Primary School serves up new AEGON breakfast club

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Lorne Primary School in Leith has just become the latest school to open its very own AEGON breakfast club as part of an award-winning city-wide initiative.

Fifty per cent increase in Edinburgh candidates for Youth Parliament

Thursday 24 February 2011

The number of young people campaigning to stand for Edinburgh in the Scottish Youth Parliament has increased by 50 per cent, it was announced today.

New nursery at Gracemout Primary officially open

Thursday 24 February 2011

Gracemount Primary has unveiled its brand new nursery. The new £1 million development will provide modern early years education facilities for three to five-year-olds in the area.

New Portobello High School gets the green light

New Portobello High School

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Plans to build a new high school in Portobello were approved today by councillors on the city's planning committee.

Confident launch for childrens art show

Tuesday 22 February 2011

An exhibition of work from a group of ‘young artists’ will be officially open to the public tomorrow as part of a City of Edinburgh Council well-being project.

MacLaren responds to budget critic

Monday 21 February 2011

"The accusations levelled by an unnamed head teacher in Friday's Edinburgh Evening News were quite simply irresponsible and, under the financial circumstances, absurd.

St Leonard's is top of the class

Friday 18 February 2011

Staff and pupils at St Leonard's Nursery School have been celebrating coming top of the class, thanks to a glowing report from school inspectors.

Top marks for Greengables Nursery School

Wednesday 16 February 2011

It was top marks for pupils and staff at Greengables Nursery School, after they received a positive report from school inspectors.

Council pilots Duke of Edinburgh inspired award scheme for younger kids

Friday 11 February 2011

An award scheme based around outdoor activities and expeditions for primary and early secondary age pupils is being piloted in Edinburgh.

All three schools affected by gas supply problems in West Pilton are open tomorrow (Monday 7 Feb)

Sunday 6 February 2011

Craigroyston Community High School and Pirniehall/St David's Primary Schools are all open as normal tomorrow.

Pirniehall & St David's primaries and Craigroyston CHS all open

Friday 4 February 2011

Info below now out of date - schools open

School artists pay tribute to Paolozzi with giant mural

Friday 4 February 2011

Pupils in Edinburgh today revealed a giant playground mural inspired by the work of famous artist and Leith born former pupil, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

Pirniehall and St David's primaries closed tomorrow

Thursday 3 February 2011

Both schools are currently affected by gas supply problems. A further update will be provided before Monday.

Schools to get one-off winter energy payment

Thursday 3 February 2011

Schools struggling with big energy bills are to get additional council support to make payments.

Edinburgh schools vie for Film Festival showing

Monday 31 January 2011

The Edinburgh International Film Festival and Pilton Video today launched the Edinburgh Schools short film competition.

Pupils from Currie Community High win John Byrne Award

Monday 31 January 2011

A team of pupils from Currie Community High School have fought off stiff competition to win a first prize of £7000 in the inaugural John Byrne Award.

Council seeks public views on options for Gaelic education

Monday 31 January 2011

The future of primary and nursery level Gaelic education is the subject of a public consultation launched today.

Edinburgh teachers to 'change one thing' for the curriculum

Friday 28 January 2011

Teachers in Edinburgh are to take part in a campaign to encourage the sharing of new ideas and approaches to the new curriculum.

New nursery at Clermiston Primary to be officially opened

Thursday 27 January 2011

Clermiston Primary is to unveil its brand new nursery school today.

Satellite technology helps special needs pupil travel independently

Thursday 27 January 2011

A 17-year-old Edinburgh special needs pupil has become the first in Scotland to learn to travel to school on his own using satellite technology.

Proposals to improve access to school facilities revealed

Thursday 20 January 2011

The Council has unveiled a range of proposals which aim to increase participation in sport physical activity by improving access to facilities in Edinburgh's schools.

Schoolkids are top of the bogs in Council Eco Schools Competition

Thursday 20 January 2011

A wetland bog, wildlife pond and butterfly-friendly orchard are just three winning school plans set to scoop eco awards at a ceremony at the Royal Botanic Gardens this Friday.

Bad weather means extra spaces on Council Adult Education Programme

Wednesday 12 January 2011

The severe weather conditions which affected the country before Christmas have had an impact on the delivery of booklets advertising the City of Edinburgh Council’s Adult Education programme – leaving spaces to be filled in several popular courses.

Adult Education postal enrolment deadline extended

Thursday 23 December 2010

The deadline for postal enrolments to the Adult Education programme has been extended to the 30th December due to a delay in the delivery of brochures caused by severe weather.

Schools and Children & Families services severe weather update

Wednesday 22 December 2010

All schools are set to open on Thursday.

Schools and Children & Families severe weather update

Tuesday 21 December 2010

All schools are set to open on Wednesday. The only exception is that Davidson's Mains nursery will remain closed.

Severe weather update - Schools and Children & Families services

Monday 20 December 2010

All schools are set to open on Tuesday. The only exception is that Davidson's Mains nursery will remain closed.

Updated: Schools news - Sunday 19 December

Sunday 19 December 2010

All Special Schools will be closed to pupils tomorrow but Secondary and Primary Schools are open.

Severe weather - schools and children & families services

Wednesday 15 December 2010

All schools and Children & Families department services are set to open on Thursday. Check this site and Radio Forth tomorrow morning for details of any closures or difficulties.

All schools and Children & Families services to open on Monday

Friday 10 December 2010

All of Edinburgh's schools, children & families establishments and services will operate as normal from Monday.

Severe weather update - Schools and Children & Families services

Thursday 9 December 2010

All but a few Edinburgh schools are to open fully on Friday. With schools getting back to normal we are now very keen that all pupils should make every effort to attend.

Severe weather update - Schools and Children & Families services

Wednesday 8 December 2010

All but a small number of Edinburgh's schools are to open fully on Thursday.

Severe weather update - Schools and Children & Families services

Tuesday 7 December 2010

All but a small number of Edinburgh's schools are to open fully on Wednesday. Adult education and other updates here too.

Schools - news in brief

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Some brief news about the situation across Edinburgh's schools - after school club, snow digging, Forrester HIgh parents evening.

Severe weather update - Schools and Children & Families services - Tues 7th

Monday 6 December 2010

Most of Edinburgh's schools are to open fully on Tuesday with a few exceptions. All special schools will be closed.

Schools remain open - parents to collect pupils early if possible

Monday 6 December 2010

Most schools will stay open for the rest of the school day as planned. However, in light of snowfall and of current transport problems parents may wish to make arrangements to collect children earlier

Updated 11:30am - Severe weather - 7 schools, 4 nurseries and all special schools to close Monday

Monday 6 December 2010

The following are to close with immediate effect because of new snowfall...

Severe weather update - Vast majority of schools to open on Monday

Sunday 5 December 2010

Most of Edinburgh's schools are to open fully on Monday with only a few exceptions.

Severe weather update – Schools and Children & Families services (Monday 6th)

Friday 3 December 2010

THIS INFORMATION IS NOW OUT OF DATE. SEE TOP NEWS STORY: 'Vast majority of schools to open on Monday'.

Severe weather update – Schools and Children & Families services

Thursday 2 December 2010

All secondary schools are set to open for some pupils and 44 primaries are set to open on Friday. See a full update on the status of schools below.

Severe weather update – Schools and Children & Families services

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Thirty of Edinburgh's primary schools are set to open on Thursday and details about the status of other Children & Families services have been announced

Severe weather - Schools Fanfare and Childline Concerts postponed

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Edinburgh schools Fanfare and Childline Concerts, due to be held on Sunday evening, have been postponed because of the severe weather.

Severe weather update - Adult education cancellations and other issues

Wednesday 1 December 2010

All adult education day and evening classes are cancelled for the rest of the week.

Young people to debate global issues at City Chambers

Thursday 25 November 2010

High School pupils from across Eastern Scotland will take part in a model united Nations conference at the City Chambers tomorrow.

Top Edinburgh children & families projects awarded

Thursday 25 November 2010

A team of young tour guides, an African links project and a scheme that supports lone fathers have all been awarded for their work at the City of Edinburgh Council's Achievement Awards.

Values & Citizenship competition launched across Edinburgh secondaries

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Edinburgh's inaugural John Byrne 'Today's Values' competition is taking place in Edinburgh's schools.

2011/2012 school session registration set to begin

20Mph sign with flashing lights

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Edinburgh’s schools are calling for parents of children who will be five years old before 29th February to register for a primary school place.

Sector leaders gather to tackle child inequality

Wednesday 3 November 2010

The Edinburgh Partnership will convene today to develop an action plan aimed at improving the lives of the city's most disadvantaged children.

Edinburgh school selected for flagship for literacy programme

Wednesday 6 October 2010

A school in Edinburgh has been selected by Scottish Book Trust as one of their Flagship Schools for the 'Meet Our Authors' programme.

New Portobello High plans submitted

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Detailed plans for a new high school in Portobello have been lodged for consideration by the city's Planning Committee.

Kindergarten inventor's teachings revived in Edinburgh

Monday 27 September 2010

Five Edinburgh nursery head teachers are driving a revival of an acclaimed 19th century early years teaching method.

Permission sought to consult on nursery school closures

Monday 27 September 2010

A report proposing that a consultation should be carried out into the closure of two city nurseries will be presented to a special meeting of the Children & Families Committee next month.

Practice makes perfect as young musicians help kids with cancer

Friday 24 September 2010

Hundreds of young Edinburgh musicians are taking part in a campaign to raise money for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent by taking part in a sponsored practice-a-thon.

Exam results are in - Edinburgh maintains good progress

Wednesday 4 August 2010

The wait for exam results is over and the early indications are that candidates have performed well in 2010 and that Edinburgh’s overall good performance has been maintained.

Edinburgh re-writes the rulebook on new school design

Friday 23 July 2010

The City of Edinburgh Council is to take an innovative new curriculum-led approach to designing two schools in the city.

Curriculum for excellent teeth

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Budding young chefs at James Gillespie's Primary are to launch a recipe book tomorrow aimed at improving dental health and diet and every P6 pupil across Edinburgh and the Lothians will receive a copy. The year long project between the school, NHS Lothian and Scotmid Co-operative has been hailed as a perfect example of Curriculum for Excellence in action.

What is Curriculum for Excellence? Learning Festival to explain

Friday 21 May 2010

Edinburgh's inaugural Learning Festival will give parents the opportunity to see Curriculum for Excellence in action next Saturday.

New Portobello High School consultation

Friday 7 May 2010

A four month consultation with Portobello residents on the new high school kicks of this week, with a meeting for key stakeholders on Monday 10 May in the local primary school.

Top entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer opens Craigroyston High School

Thursday 6 May 2010

Edinburgh’s latest new school is to be opened by Scottish entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer and city Education Leader Cllr. Marilyne MacLaren.

Cardinal O'Brian opens Edinburgh's latest school

Friday 23 April 2010

The latest new school in Edinburgh is due to be officially opened by Cardinal Keith O’ Brian and Cllr. Marilyne MacLaren. St. Augustine’s R.C High School will be opened as part of a £180m Council rebuilding programme.

We’ll give stranded staff a helping hand when they return - MacLaren

Friday 23 April 2010

All 730 City of Edinburgh Council staff affected by flight cancellations will have the option to make up hours to avoid loss of pay.

Edinburgh reacts to Government Gaelic investment

Thursday 15 April 2010

Edinburgh's Education Leader has welcomed the Scottish Government's plan to invest in Edinburgh's Gaelic school and in early years provision in the city.

Out of catchment sibling places will be harder to come by - MacLaren

Friday 26 March 2010

Parents are being advised to be cautious when applying for out of catchment school places if they want younger brothers and sisters to go to the same school in the future.

A new direction for community learning and development in Edinburgh

Wednesday 10 February 2010

Community Learning Development (CLD) in Edinburgh is set to change as the Council launches a more locally tailored service.

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