I visited all local Leith schools - St Mary's, Leith Primary, Hermitage for DS. Went to Forbes Nursery (which was fabulous but is now poor sadly). Initially wanted to go to Hermitage then St Mary's and lastly Leith. CAme away most impressed with Leith Primary.
This was a few years ago so things change but...
Hermitage was poorly run by the head teacher who made quite a few older teachers resign and the parent council were not fans of her (however she's gone now so things might be better).
St Marys was very very full and had a very small assembly hall - its had an extension but I got the impression of happy parents but playground always looks awfully full. Still everyone is happy so can't be too much of a problem.
Eventually chose Leith Primary as the head teacher was brilliant (much more keen than either other two popular schools head teachers); he's moved on to Portobello but the deputy has moved up very well. The classrooms are Victorian so the space is amazing - as well as the large classrooms there is a parent run library, art rooms, computer labs, etc. All the teachers that DS has had have been keen and enthusiastic. Also the new gym is nearly finished so the playground temporary unit will be gone soon and it will open up a huge playground again. On the downside the parent council is a tad insular at the moment and has no leader so is floundering. Has a great after school club and breakfast club too (I think). Lastly because it takes in poorer areas it has more funding than the other two schools I think. Because of this DS had dedicated maths help from a separate helper for a few years.
No regrets :) but the other schools are very good too. Leith is basically winning with the influx of keen immigrants and the old Leith is being rejuvenated (there are other ways of putting this).
PM me if you have questions.