Royal Mile Primary School

[DCDoula]

Hi folks,

Any insights as to the Royal Mile Primary School. We're looking for a place for my daughter just for P7. We're moving from the US for a year in Edinburgh.

One of the first places to look at is the HMIE report.
Royal Mile Primary here.
www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/inspection/RoyalMilePS&NC5541727.html

Only a year old so should give you a general idea of how both the schools are.

Preston Street:

www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/inspection/PrestonStreetPS5528127.html

I don't have any personal experience but have heard good things about Preston Street.

I know nothing about the Royal Mile but going by its report alone I would be looking at other schools first.

Hi

It doesn't have the best reputation I'm afraid but I don't have any first hand experience of it so maybe someone will come along and correct me. Do you know where you're going to be living?

We're living on Blacket Ave in Newington in Uni family housing. The local school, Preston St. might not have space.

Is the reputation not great because of student behavior, academics, building upkeep, teachers, admin?

I get the sense that it's in a lower socio-economic area even though it's quite central. Generally I'm fine with that as long as the school is a caring, happy and academic buzzing place to be.

thanks for the links, they certainly paint a complicated and not so positive picture.

Oh well!

A caring, happy and academic buzzing place to be.
Not so much in my experience.
I'd suggest looking elsewhere if possible...Just my personal opinion tho'

thanks

hi there

just came across this post and thought you might like to hear from me as i know this school well. there has been another followup inspection which shows the school has made great progress in all areas. this also includes an excellent new positive behaviour policy linked into a new 'house' (ie groups) based points system.

the school has really improved in the last few years since the appointment of a new headteacher so i'd really urge you not to go on others opinions, who's experiences whilst valid may be out of date, and instead form your own.

hope your move goes well, i'm sure you're really exited to be moving to such an interesting place!

Hi,

I also know the school very well.

Royal Mile Primary was a very good school with excellent, dedicated head, enthusiastic and committed staff and very caring ethos. Children from all over Edinburgh were traveling to the school. The school worked wonders with children and in particular with those who had difficulties in other schools.

In recent years however there seemed to be a shift in the school. The school seemed to loose its sense of direction with many staff and families leaving (the school roll fell by a third). The HMI report is far from complimentary and the follow up is not much better either. The Parents Council minutes from September 2011 are expressing concerns with "pupils being shouted at for very little" (CfE!?). See link:

www.royalmileprimary.ik.org/documents/2252392537.ikml

As such I would not send my children to that school again and would not recommend it to others.

I know this school too.

That comment from September 2010 newsletter is 18 months and a world away from the school now.

Yes it had a tough time, HMIe gave it a poor report - but read the follow through properly and remember that was all done in a year. Oh and a few staff left - to retire, or promotion or secondment.

there's some great stuff happening to the buildings and what happens in it. the art gallery with work by parents, pupils and local artists is dead impressive.

Maybe it won't be your cup of tea - but maybe you should go and visit it first.

I wouldn't send my children to any of the Abbeymount schools because they are in the catchment area for Castle Brae, which is one of the worst secondary schools by results in Scotland.

Just wondering if anyone has any up to date info on this school. I read the old report (which is very old by now) and the up dates which definately sound better. In particular, does anyone know about help for dyslexic children and/or English as a second language? Thanks!

My daughter is in P4. There is a specialist language support team. I know some of the staff have children with additional needs, and we have been very well cared for.