Craigmount High School

I’m delighted to welcome you to the Craigmount High School website. As Head Teacher it is my pleasure and privilege to work with our students, parents, staff and wider community.

Feedback tells us that Craigmount is a fantastic place to learn. Visitors to the school soon pick up on our friendly can-do ethos, with positive relationships under-pinning all that we do. Above all we are an inclusive school which places young people at the heart of learning. Our campus, which includes a Community Wing, opened in 2004 and provides excellent facilities in which to learn, work, and grow. Currently, we have approximately 1200 students and a rising roll.

Academic performance is high, with many students gaining straight A-passes across all subjects; and being a larger school, we are able to run a full range of classes up to Advanced Higher. Last session for example the demand for Advanced Higher Mathematics (round 50 students) resulted in two classes. The number of students returning in S6 is very high (75%) and large numbers of students from S5-6 go on to University, including Oxbridge. Last session there were 125 UCAS applications. We are also proud of the fact that we cater for all learner pathways and many students also go on to college and full time employment. Our positive destination figures stand at just under 94%, higher than the Edinburgh and National averages. In the session ahead we aim to further improve on this with the help of our industry and college partners.

Another key feature of the school is our Inclusion Unit, which supports five students in each year-group with Additional Support for Learning Needs. I believe this greatly enriches the school as a result of the special expertise of our Support for Learning team, and the amazing contribution our inclusion unit students make to school life.

Another major strength of the school is the range of extra-curricular activities on offer. As well as after-school and lunchtime clubs, there is a very comprehensive programme of sport expertly managed by our Active Schools Coordinator, who is very willing to set up an activity if this is asked for by students. As a result of our talented students and high participation levels, it is no surprise that Craigmount is often successful in local and national competitions. Debating is a particular strength, as are clubs related to Engineering and Science. In the Creative Arts we have a large and successful programme of Music and Drama, and our orchestra makes a bi-annual trip to Belgium. Finally, as well as the many UK and foreign trips offered throughout each session, including an S1 Residential, we organise a successful activity week every summer term, which last session involved trips to London, France and Greece to name but a few.

I hope this brief overview gives you a flavour of life at Craigmount. Our experienced and dynamic staff team is very proud to work here and always go the extra mile for our young people. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you want to find out more – especially if you are a prospective parent. I would be delighted to hear from you. Enjoy our website.

Tom Rae
Head Teacher