Rosehill High School in Wallyford is celebrating a milestone – today marks 100 days since it first opened to learners.
The quality of the design and finish is incredible and reflects the significant investment in this new facility. It is a testament to all of the teams involved at every stage of this development.
Rosehill opened to learners at the start of term on 16 August 2023. It welcomed almost 300 pupils from S1 to S3 through the doors as its first group of learners, and 60 members of staff. They will be joined each academic year with a new intake until the school operates across all stages from S1 to S6 from August 2026. Rosehill also has The Brae, a specialist provision for secondary age young people with severe and complex needs who live across the county.
The school was required due to population growth in the area as a result of housing development. It is at the heart of the new Wallyford Learning Campus, a £47.2m facility that brings together spaces for education and community with a library, community centre and sports pitches.
Supportive and vibrant environment
Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “Having visited the campus when it was a construction site it’s wonderful to visit now that it is up and running, meet some of Rosehill’s young people and experience the buzz that is unique to a secondary school. Gail Preston and her team at Rosehill have to be commended for all their work to create the supportive and vibrant environment that is so evident when you walk through the doors.
“The quality of the design and finish is incredible and reflects the significant investment in this new facility. It is a testament to all of the teams involved at every stage of this development. I am delighted that it is now benefiting learners and the wider Wallyford community.”
Mrs Gail Preston started the Head Teacher role in September 2022 and had been working to establish the new learning community ahead of the move into the new building. She has been relishing the opportunities that the modern building offers learners and staff.
Creative thinking
Mrs Preston said: "Beginning with something of a blank space in terms of or curriculum has meant we've had to ask a lot of big questions about what we learn, what we do, and why. It's been a pleasure to work as part of a genuine team of staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community, thinking creatively about how we can make the most of the opportunities we have here to reflect the needs and interests of our locality.
“The first 100 days were always going to be a period of intense change for everyone, and we can now clearly see where we are, where we want to go next, and how we plan to get there!"
Inspiring learning space
East Lothian Council Head of Education Nicola McDowell said: “Rosehill High School offers young people an inspiring learning space, and staff a modern teaching environment. Crucially we have been able to use the spaces to increase our partnerships with further and higher education with the establishment of the Construction Skills and Community Agriculture academies. These provide enhanced pathways through school and into further learning or industry and will benefit a wide range of people as well as Rosehill’s pupils.
“By working with other council services we have been able to deliver a campus that will benefit the whole community with the inclusion of a library, sports facilities, community centre and social care. This is part of our commitment to develop better, more affordable, sustainable and efficient integrated services across East Lothian resulting in excellent outcomes for education and communities.”
Rosehill High School is one of seven East Lothian Council-managed secondary schools and the first complete new build since Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans was rebuilt following fire in 1969.