St John's Primary School

St John's Primary School

Client: City of Edinburgh Council

Dates: 2015-2019

Value: £10.8m

Type: New build Primary School and Early Years Centre

Location: Portobello, Edinburgh

The new St John’s RC Primary School is a 2-stream primary school and early years centre set within an attractive residential area of Edinburgh, with stunning views towards Arthur’s Seat. 

However, this project is much more than just a school. In tandem with the delivery of the school, and in collaboration with the Council and Craigentinny and Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnership we have delivered the first new park in Edinburgh for a generation. The new Treverlen Park blurs the boundary with the new school, providing amenity green space with a variety of sitting and play areas, with a hard- surfaced dish for skate and wheel amusements interspersed between old and new planting and trees.

The lack of boundary fences firmly establishes the school as part of the community. Generous entrances concourses open directly off the public footpath to provide a welcoming approach, enhancing the representation of the school identity and values as a civic community building. 

The design was led by client and end user consultation from the initial brief all the way through to wayfinding, colours, materials and finishes. Internally the school delivers bright and inspiring educational spaces to motivate young minds. A transparency and openness between internal spaces enhances the ease of transition from nursery to P7, promoting collaboration, independent learning and assisting delivery of Curriculum for Excellence.