Ross High School, Tranent Explained

Ross High
Address:Well Wynd
Postcode:EH33 2EQ
Country:Scotland
Established:1954
Type:State Comprehensive
District:East Lothian
Grades:S1 – S6
Head Label:Head teacher
Head:Paul Reynolds
Houses:Winton Seton Fa'side
Enrolment:1,259 (2021)
Staff:100 (Full Time Teaching)
Slogan:Excellence for Everyone
Feeders:Sanderson's Wynd, Windygoul, St Martins, Macmerry, Ormiston, Pencaitland, Elphinstone, Saulton and Humbie
Motto:Ad Meliora
Age Range:11–18
County:East Lothian

Ross High School is a large secondary school in Tranent, East Lothian. As of April 2021, the school roll was 1,259 (2021)[1] making it the largest secondary school in East Lothian by pupil roll. The school was founded in 1954 and named after George Ross, who was convener of the local council at the time. The current head teacher is Paul Reynolds. They have put an extension in making the school larger making a ne computer science department and art also French and Spanish.

History

Before Ross High School was established, students from Tranent and surrounding areas attended Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans. Until 1954 when a major effort to provide a 6-year school for Tranent and surrounding villages. The name Ross High recognises the support of the convenor of East Lothian Council at the time George Ross.[2] The original building was built in 1954 and partially still stands. A Public Private Partnership (PPP) refurbishment began in January 2003 and after various delays, was finished in 2005.[3] [4] Another £1.9 million extension was completed in 2007 which added five new classrooms and other facilities.[5] In 2018 it was announced that £8.83 million would be spent between 2019 and 2021 in extending the school further to accommodate the growing population of Tranent and the surrounding areas and to ensure that the school has "the space and facilities to continue to deliver a high quality of learning and teaching".[6]

Staff

Paul Reynolds is the head teacher, since August 2013.[7] The depute heads are Ann Archer, Katrina Donaldson, Chris Laud and Jillian Binnie. The business manager is Paula O'Neill.

Houses

The school currently has three houses these are:

The three houses are named after three nearby castles Winton Castle, Seton Castle and Fa'side Castle. Historically the school also had four Houses, the fourth being Bankton named after Bankton House however this house was completely phased out by August 2013.

Standards

The school was last inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education in March 2011.[8] Strengths were noted as "The enthusiastic involvement of all staff in taking forward improvements to support the learning of all young people, the range of approaches to support and help young people achieve, [and] partnership working, including partnerships to support young people with additional support needs." Agreed areas for improvement were: "Continue to develop a coherent curriculum which provides appropriate progression for all young people. Ensure learning experiences consistently provide appropriate levels of support and challenge."[9]

As of November 2017, the school is listed as having achieved a Unicef Level 2 Rights Respecting Schools Award.[10]

Notable alumni

External links

55.9431°N -2.9549°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Scottish Government. Scottish Government.
  2. Web site: Ross High School. Handbook 2014–2015 . 6 . Ross High School . 4 November 2015.
  3. News: Head shuts school over renovation . . 28 October 2004.
  4. News: Private-cash school work 'to hit deadline' . The Scotsman . 27 September 2004 . 1 October 2016.
  5. News: School revamp on track . The Scotsman . 27 March 2007 . 1 October 2016.
  6. Web site: Parents offered first glimpse of Ross High School extension plans. East Lothian Courier. 8 May 2018.
  7. News: Headteacher is one of 21 new staff at Ross High School . East Lothian Courier . 26 August 2013 . 1 October 2016.
  8. News: School hailed by inspectors . The Scotsman . 16 March 2011 . 1 October 2016.
  9. Web site: HMIE inspection of Ross High School. 15 March 2011. Education Scotland. 3 February 2013.
  10. Web site: Ross High School wins Unicef award. East Lothian Courier. 8 May 2018.