Portobello High School

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From it’s opening in 1876 the school also had a primary department – indeed the 1872 Education Act made schooling compulsory only between the ages of 5 and 13, so about a year after what we would regard as primary school age today. Those going on to 'Higher Grade' studies (and later Secondary classes) were in the minority.

In order to alleviate overcrowding in the school on Niddrie Road (now Duddingston Park), at 2 pm on Friday 28th February 1958 the Primary Department moved en bloc to the newly completed Duddingston Primary School on Duddingston Road (it also took in pupils from the existing Duddingston School near the site of the mills). So at the start of the 1958-59 academic year our school for the first time, literally, became 'Portobello Secondary School'.

The headmaster records in the school log that this 'panoramic photograph' of the Primary Department was taken on 23rd May, 1958.

All credit to the more than 360 pupils, 9 staff and the photographer who captured this memorable image which appeared in the 1958 issue of 'The Tower', the school magazine.

The photograph was taken at Duddingston Primary. The Figgate Park is behind the assembled classes and to the right of the image across the valley you can see some of the 'prefabs' constructed in the area after WWII.

Girls Road Cycling Team Sponsorship Opportunity

We’re delighted to launch the new Portobello High School Girls Road Cycling Team

Part of our growing Pedal Power Porty HS strategy, the programme aims to encourage more girls and young women to get involved in cycling, build confidence and experience the many benefits of sport and physical activity.

Already, over 40 girls from S1–S6 have signed up, with the first sessions at the Fife Cycle Circuit proving hugely successful. The energy and enthusiasm from the girls has been brilliant to see.

As part of the programme, the team will attend regular coaching sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, work with some of Scotland’s top female cycling coaches, meet professional riders and take part in wellbeing sessions supported by former Scottish and GB athletes.
A huge thank you to Miss Niven and Mrs Moghadam for leading this exciting new opportunity for our young people. Exciting times ahead for girls cycling at Porty!

We are currently seeking sponsorship and support from local businesses and organisations who would like to become part of the new Portobello High School Girls Road Cycling Team.

This exciting initiative is about far more than cycling. The programme focuses on increasing girls participation in sport, improving confidence and wellbeing, developing resilience and leadership, and creating opportunities for young women to be active, connected and ambitious.

We are looking for partners who share our belief in the power of sport to change lives and create opportunities for young people. Sponsorship packages will range from sponsorship logos on team kit through to sponsoring a rider or sponsoring a bike.

By supporting the programme, businesses will be investing directly in young people and helping remove some of the barriers girls and young women can face in sport and physical activity.

If you or your organisation would be interested in supporting the programme through sponsorship, equipment, coaching or partnership opportunities, please contact Greg McDowall at .

To find out more about the programme, contact:

We also still have spaces available within the team. If your child would be interested in joining, please complete the sign-up form below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/AUQkUDYjsN

You need the volume up for the video!

Latest Snippets now available

Tickets are now ON SALE!! 10th - 12th June at 7pm

If music be the food of love, play on …
— Twelfth Night, Act 1 Scene 1

This year we are doing Twelfth Night, but not quite as you know it!
We are swapping Shakespeare’s Illyria for 1990’s Ibiza where Count Orsino runs a club and that is where everyone meets up!
As ever, there will be a great story, lots of dance, music, singing, wonderful costumes and set and a lot of laughter!

Tickets are available via Parentpay or from the school office.

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Thank you to the person who handed in a flash drive with scanned copies of 'The Tower' school magazine 1957, 59 and 1960 last week.

We’re looking to digitize all issues and find a way to make them publicly available, so you’ve saved us a wee bit work!

Since it’s been a sporty week here, we post a picture of the football 1st XI from the 1960 issue. By all accounts the team had a mixed season (though they did win the Staff v Pupils match by a margin of four goals).

1960 was the last season of Portobello as a football-playing school until it was resurrected in the 1970s.

No water polo in 1960, but both girls' and boys' swimming teams won their respective Inter-School Team Race at the Boroughmuir Gala.

At the Scottish Schools Swimming Association Championships, James Wilson won the 50yds Free Style Under 13 in a new record time of 29.1 secs.

Great photos! Thanks to all who supported the event on the day.

Another fantastic sporting result for the school, with our water polo team winning the Open Schools Championship earlier today.

It was brilliant to see a squad made up of S1–S6 girls and boys competing together and working as a team to secure overall victory.

This is a fantastic achievement by everyone involved and another proud moment for the school. A huge well done to all of the players, and many thanks to our coaches and parents/carers for their support.

A special thank you also to Mrs Inkster, who has gone above and beyond by putting on additional swimming sessions every Tuesday and Friday morning from 7am in school. This commitment has made a real difference in supporting the development of our swimmers and water polo players, and is a great example of the dedication of our staff to supporting young people.

A fantastic result for our Senior Boys’ Football Team, who lifted the Lothians Cup after an excellent 2–0 victory over Firrhill.

This was a brilliant achievement from the whole squad and a very proud moment for Portobello High School. It was made even more special for our Curriculum Leader of PE, Mr Stewart, who played in the Portobello High School team the last time the school won the trophy, 20 years ago.

A huge well done to all the players, coaches and staff involved. Thank you also to the staff, parents/carers, relatives and young people who came along to support the team and cheer on the school.

A memorable day and a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with Portobello High School. More details to follow soon…

Porty 150 – 'Portobello H.G. School – Girls' Science Class'.

Although the caption is "Girls' Science Class" boys are visible at the benches to the rear; the image is no less impressive for that.

The location is again one of the second-storey art and science classrooms that were added in 1908 when the school obtained Higher Grade status.