Welcome/Fàilte

Thank you for visiting our website which tells you about our school and the education your child will enjoy here.

James Gillespie’s High School, founded in 1803, sits in the heart of beautiful Edinburgh and our catchment-area includes many of its glories – Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, most of the University, the National Gallery and even the Scottish Parliament. For almost fifty years we have been a successful, culturally diverse comprehensive, educating boys and girls from aged 11 to 18 years of age. Our students describe us a great school, visitors regularly comment on their ease and friendliness and we have very many distinguished former pupils.

As well as an outstanding academic record, we are proud of all the extra-curricular programme of activities on offer. Gillespie’s has a particularly strong tradition in music and the performing arts and we besides provide Gaelic-Medium Education from First Year onwards. Our aim at Gillespie’s is to encourage each student to be self-confident, inquiring, tolerant, positive, well-rounded, independent – young men and women who will understand and cherish a rich and varied world. In an atmosphere of diligence, tolerance and mutual respect, we aim to send forth secure, confident students – new citizens ready and able to enrich our society. In all this we are supported not just by our dedicated staff – striving every day to help every pupil reach their potential – but in ongoing partnership with our parents, carers and the local community. This website is central to that relationship and our parents – you – vital to ensuring all our pupils are challenged, successful and happy.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher/Ceannard