Ages
The substantial waiting list speaks for itself. This is a school that delivers on the academics, but more importantly gets the parent/pupil vote for its caring attitude. Stunning grounds and good facilities within a hop, skip and a jump from Edinburgh. Many passionate devotees.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 458 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 55 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- £17,532 - £21,240 pa
- Local authority
- The City of Edinburgh Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Grant
Since 2005, Rod Grant BA PGCE PGDPSE (50s). Previously at Hutchesons’ where he was principal teacher of English, responsible for literacy.
From Prestwick in Ayrshire, educated at Merchiston, read English at Edinburgh, but abandoned this to
Entrance
Mainly through the (non-selective entry) nursery – a proper nursery school with many of the children wearing uniform, and junior school. Head says, ‘We’re the only independent school in Scotland that doesn’t academically assess students for entry
Exit
All to further education; most stay in Scotland. Aberdeen, Heriot Watt, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Robert Gordons. Increasing number of graduate apprenticeships. Usually a couple into Oxbridge.
Latest results
In 2020 at National 5, 100 per cent grades A to C; at Higher 96 per cent A-B; and at Advanced Higher 100 per cent A-B. In 2019 (the last year when exams took place), at National 5, 97 per cent grades A-C; at Higher 83 per cent A-B and at Advanced
Teaching & learning
Same form/guidance teacher throughout S1– S5. In S6 the headmaster and the director of studies take over. Setting in maths from S2, otherwise parallel classes, no streaming. We found a brace of S4 classes studying John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.
Learning support & SEN
Five dedicated SENCos – two in junior and three in senior school. Pupils either withdrawn from class individually, in groups or offered dual teaching. Can cope with minor physical handicap – senior classrooms are upstairs – and mild ASD. One paren
Arts & extracurricular
Enthusiastic music. Two were studying Advanced Higher music in the former chapel during our visit, whilst a hotch-potch of students were writing, directing, producing a piece on Marilyn Monroe. Peripatetic staff. Exciting art – intricate dress des
Sport
Team games on every available speck of green greeted our arrival. Cunning junior rugby/football goal. Gym (with bars and benches) doubles as dining room, three sittings, takes two and a half hours (external caterer). Charming swimming pool, timeta
Ethos & heritage
Clifton Hall is a magical Bryce house, complete with impressive oil paintings and the odd bit of antique furniture, all set in 54 acres of child-inspiring grounds off the Newbridge roundabout – the junction of A8, M8 and M9. A boon for parents to
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Head has common sense attitude. Small enough school to care – tinies walk down school paths hand in hand. There is now a medical centre with a full time registered nurse. There is also a full time pastoral care coordinator who is part of the senio
Pupils & parents
Huge catchment area. Eighty-five per cent plus first-time buyers, ditto two working parents. A complete mix. Pupil pin map shows a huge spread, from Galashiels in the borders to Falkirk, East Lothian and north of the Forth, numbers from Edinburgh.
Money matters
Fees include almost all extras. Trust fund on hand to pick up financial hiccups 'for a term or two' – 'safety net' rather than 'safety blanket’.
- Fee information
- £17,532 - £21,240 pa
The last word
The substantial waiting list speaks for itself. This is a school that delivers on the academics, but more importantly gets the parent/pupil vote for its caring attitude. Stunning grounds and good facilities within a hop, skip and a jump from Edinb
