Firrhill High School

Firrhill High School opened in 1960. The official opening ceremony took place on 7th October 1960.

Here you will find information on our school aims and values, our educational provision in its widest sense and our many achievements.

It has been an exciting few months for the school with our shortlisting in the UK Secondary School of the Year category in the 2023 Times Educational Supplement Awards. To be one of only eight schools to make the shortlist, and the only school from Scotland is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of all the staff as well as the tremendous efforts and achievements of our pupils.

Every school year brings with it the optimism of a fresh start, the prospect of new and exciting challenges and the opportunity to apply ourselves to be the very best we can be. We are sure that this year will be no different in those respects and, as we always do, we will challenge ourselves to be even better than we were before.

As a twice-accredited unicef Gold Rights Respecting School we place children’s rights and pupil welfare at the centre of our work. The voice of pupils is important and the partnership working between pupils and staff is a hallmark of our school community. Tolerance, diversity, friendliness and welcoming all to our school have long been features of Firrhill and these qualities have been amplified, strengthened and deeply embedded though our rights-based work.

The Motto

“air carraig” (upon a rock) is taken from Matthew Chapter 7 verse 25 – the parable of the house founded upon a rock – as appropriate to the badge and to the physical situation of the School – witness the outcrop beside the pool at the main door. It can be extended to the firm foundation of learning offered to pupils.

The Gaelic links with the early inhabitants who gave the place names before the coming of the Angles, and built the hill fort on Wester Craiglockhart Hill.