The development of two new East Lothian primary schools has taken a major step forward with the appointment of Head Teachers and confirmation of enrolment arrangements for children joining from August
It’s an exciting time for everyone involved in the development of Blindwells and Craighall primaries and the establishment of these new school communities.
Gemma-Rose Lansdown and Jamie Wilson have been appointed as Head Teachers for Blindwells Primary School and Craighall Primary School respectively.
Ms Lansdown joins Blindwells from Leith Walk Primary School, Edinburgh, where she is Head Teacher. She will join East Lothian after the Easter break and will be based in Cockenzie Primary School ahead of the new school building opening in August.
Mr Wilson is currently Head Teacher at Morebattle and Yetholm Primary Schools in Scottish Borders. Due to move into his new role in May, he will be based in Stoneyhill Primary School ahead of the new school opening.
Once in post, the Head Teachers will be responsible for the establishment of their respective school communities, recruiting staff teams and developing their curricular ethos, vision and values. They will also build relationships with children and families who will be joining from August.
School enrolment arrangements
Families living in the catchment areas can now enrol their primary school-aged children in the schools with the council confirming arrangements:
- Children who are already enrolled with Blindwells or Craighall Primary Schools and being hosted within Cockenzie and Stoneyhill Primary Schools respectively will automatically move to the new buildings from August. Families can choose to make a non-catchment placing request to remain in the current settings if they prefer. The education service is in touch directly through existing contact details
- Families with children who have moved into the Blindwells and Craighall developments and don’t attend Cockenzie or Stoneyhill schools under the hosting arrangements, or who will be moving into the developments in the coming months, and who wish their children to attend the new schools should now enrol for August 2025. Families should email schoolplacements@eastlothian.gov.uk for more information including their child’s name, address, current school and current year (ie, P4).
Both schools have an early years setting operating term-time only. As nursery does not operate in catchment, families across the county can now apply for an early learning and childcare place at Blindwells or Craighall settings. Full details and an application form are available online at: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/earlylearning
Construction well underway
Construction on the two schools started in February 2024. The buildings’ exteriors are almost complete with remaining roof details and brickwork due to finish imminently while, indoors, fit out is well underway. Hard and soft landscaping is ongoing with sports pitches formed and seeded. The buildings have been designed using Passivhaus principles to provide energy efficient as well as inspiring modern learning spaces. East Lothian Council’s development partner Hub South East was appointed to deliver the schools with Balfour Beatty working as the principal contractor.
Rare and exciting challenge
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “These are real milestones in the development of our newest primary schools at Blindwells and Craighall.
“Establishing a brand-new school community is a rare yet exciting challenge for any education leader. As well as our full support, Ms Lansdown and Mr Wilson will benefit from modern, inspiring environments in the purpose-designed buildings. We’re pleased to welcome them to East Lothian’s education service; our central teams and their fellow Head Teachers will assist them as they shape Blindwells and Craighall Primary schools.
“Our council teams have also been busy on enrolment arrangements and we’re pleased to be able to confirm these to families.
“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved in the development of Blindwells and Craighall primaries and the establishment of these new school communities.”
Further information
Further information on enrolment at Blindwells and Craighall primary schools is available from the council’s website: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/blindwells-ps and www.eastlothian.gov.uk/craighall-ps