Schools

Updated 10 September 2008

This page combines the Keylinks Education Page with the History of Armadale Schools

See this page for

• current information about schools, colleges and universities (pre-school to post-graduate)

• useful links about children and families, education, training, financial support and future prospects

• photographs and information about Armadale schools, including available websites

• a brief history of education in Armadale

e-mail Rosie

01501 730282

fax: 01501 730301
armadale.pswled.org.uk

Wrap Around Care : Escort service to St.Anthony's Primary School

2005 Report

Head Teacher: Mr James McCrory
01501 731668

Wrap Around Care: Yes

Windyknowe Crescent, Bathgate, EH48 2BT

Head Teacher: Mrs Rae Malcolm
01506 652083
fax: 01506 634669
windyknowe.pswled.org.uk

In 2007 more than one million pounds will have been spent on eight primary schools to improve and upgrade their facilities.  Armadale Primary and Blackridge Primary are two of the schools to benefit from the additional funding.

Academy Street, Armadale, EH48 3JD  

Head Teacher: Allison Phillips

01501 730282                        fax:  01501 730301 armadale.pswled.org.uk

Capacity: 415

Wrap Around Care : Escort service to St. Anthony's Primary School

Eco School Award

13 Manse Avenue, Armadale, EH48 3HS                                                     

Head Teacher: Mr Gerald Cowan

0150 730462                                    fax:  01501 734225
eastertoun.pswled.org.uk

Capacity: 360

Wrap Around Care : No

HMI Report

South Street, Armadale, EH48 3EU 

Head Teacher: Mr James McCrory     

01501 731668
fax: 01501 734349       
stanthonys.pswled.org.uk

Capacity: 171

Wrap Around Care: Yes

HMI Report

Windyknowe Crescent, Bathgate, EH48 2BT

Head Teacher: Mrs Rae Malcolm
01506 652083
fax: 01506 634669
windyknowewled.org.uk

Capacity: 360


Wrap Around Care : No

HMI Report

Armadale Primary School Unofficial Website

Eastertoun School, at the top of the image, photographed from above Mill Road, Armadale

St Anthony's R.C. Primary School

In March 1978

• The school moved from High Academy Street to the new school site in South Street, thereby moving from a traditional layout to a semi-open plan layout.

• 200 children on roll; 9 class teachers including Miss Anne Glen, Miss Nancy Dugan, Mrs Carole Russell nee Merrick.

In November 2002

• 5 HMIs inspected the school.  They gave the school a glowing report, which was published in February 2003.

By 2003: Silver Jubilee

• Over 25 years the School had had 5 headteachers: Ivor Clarke, Mrs Elizabeth McCue, Mrs Mary Toner, Mrs Heather Brown, James McCrory.

• There were 6 classes of c130 pupils and teachers were supported by classroom assistants and support assistants.

(2) (terms, catchment, prospectus, other documents)

Armadale Academy, which celebrates its official opening, 40 years ago, in 2008

1967 -

The current Armadale Academy cost approximately £536,000 to build and it was in use from August 1967.  It was officially opened 29 March 1968 by Miss Margaret Herbison, M.P. for North Lanark.

The school was regarded as a well-equipped school because of its classroom accommodation and its large playing fields.  Armadalians often cite the story of goalposts, which almost disappeared from view down a former pit shaft of the Buttress Colliery that was originally on the site.

The intake of the school, whose first Rector was A.B. Niven, included pupils who had formerly attended Armadale Junior Secondary School, Lindsay High School and Bathgate Academy. A wide range of 'O' Grade and Higher Courses was offered, and close links were forged with Bathgate Technical College.

Under the second Headteacher, R.S. Wilson, courses such as the new Standard Grade exam, SCOTVEC modules and Revised Highers were available to pupils.

2007 -

Following the successful completion of its first Private Partnership Project in 2003, West Lothian Council has planned a new £52 million Public Private Partnership project to build replacements for Armadale Academy and Deans Community High School.  Outline plans include improved Information Communications Technology as well as larger classroom areas and Physical Education changing facilities.  It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be announced in January 2007, with ensuing full planning applications, and the contract award in summer 2007.  It is hoped that Armadale Academy will be ready to admit staff and students by August 2009.

Monday 3 September 2007: Work began officially on the site of the new Armadale Academy, completion date August 2009.

New Armadale Academy currently under construction (left) and and present Armadale Academy (right)

(Photographed using KAP)

Monday 3 September 2007: Work began officially on the site of the new Armadale Academy, completion date August 2009.

Message from Pupils of Armadale Academy

As you probably know, a new building will be built in a few years and the current one demolished. A group of us are organising a time capsule to be buried under the new building and also an exhibition which will be held at the school in 2008 for the school's 40th anniversary.

We hope that any former pupils or members of the community with any information about the history of the school (pictures, class photos, old uniform, report cards etc) or anyone who would be willing to be interviewed about their time at the school can contact us.

Any members of public with information can contact Mrs I Orr at Armadale Academy, West Main Street, Armadale, West Lothian, EH48 3LY or  phone 01501 730601.

Thank you.

November 2006

(1) ; (2); (3)*; (4); (5); (6); (8); (7); (9); (10)

School Memorabilia:

Names needed for Armadale School Football Team photos! Can you help us to fill in the gaps in the names under the photos on that page? Photos of staff and pupils, and extracts from school magazines courtesy of David Partner, History teacher in Armadale, 1963 - 1971

To any of the Armadale Academy class from 1968 to 1970 from Liz Knox (nee Waterson).

"Hope life is treating you well. I'd love to hear from any of my old friends and classmates. Rosie has my email address."

An Association which is dedicated to promoting childminding as a quality childcare service.

Dalekids.com After School Club

at St Anthony's Primary School, for children in P1 - P7 from all Armadale primary schools

 07985 763377

Education Department General Enquiries

01506 776000

Website for bi-lingual / multi-lingual parents who would like to set up / find bi-lingual playgroups / participate in language-related activities

(Linking Education and Disability)

in Edinburgh and the Lothians supports disabled 16 -25 year olds to access learning

Classes in Bathgate

to help schools engage with the professional arts sector

Co-ordinator: 01506 777588

Performing Arts

BBC literacy

Gaelic

information site for 12 - 26 year olds

A Scottish Executive scheme aiding anyone earning £15,000 or less, or anyone on benefits, with a non-repayable grant towards course costs.

01506 462152

Interested in RTITB's NORS scheme?

01506 462152

(Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools)

Higher Education Funding
Student Awards Agency

Livingston

Gold Award Winner at Scotland's Colleges' Annual Marketing Awards 2007

Courses ranging from full time HNDs to part-time and evening courses as well as Work Based Learning tailored to local employers' needs.

Courses cover a broad range of subjects ranging from IT Skills & Technology through the Caring Professions to Health & Beauty and Creative Industries.

Commercial Training Restaurant: The Terrace Restaurant: lunch (12.15pm - 1.00pm) & dinner (6.30pm onwards) bookings on 01506 427537

Learning and Teaching in Scotland

University of Glasgow Scottish Research in Education Centre

Share your experiences and knowledge!

 01501 730796

Higher Education Funding

Free advice on childcare, funding and qualifications.

 0808 100 9000.

Adults needing help with reading, writing and/or numbers

 0808 100 1080

Scotland's national body for qualifications, which develops, accredits, assesses and certifies all Scottish qualifications with some exceptions, particularly university degrees

Prospects

Future skills

Wage predictor

Universities / Colleges

Which course?

UCAS

 Where? Why not visit an Open Day?

Careersscotland

Planitplus

Future skills

Worktrain

• 1818 - 9: The first Armadale school, in a thatched cottage in West Main Street one hundred yards west of The Cross, was created, overseen by a publicly-appointed committee.  The first appointed teacher was William Cameron whose thirteen-year leadership led the school to be judged successful. William Wilson was Cameron's successor and, under his leadership, the school roll grew so much that it was decided to build a new school.  Mr. Dennistoun, a local laird, gave a site for it as well as the stone and timber.  The remainder of the necessary money for building was supplied by public subscription.  John Wilson, colliery manager, became Chairman of the school's Board of Directors.

• 1839: the new school opened south of Castle Poorie, North Street near the Cross.(During the next 30 years, children were either taught at the Armadale Subscription School or at one of many Works Schools , which were created by local mining companies for their employees' children.)

• 1846:  William Wilson resigned because of the low salary he received.

• 1846: James Sutherland, formerly of Whitburn School, agreed to succeed Wilson, but his contract allowed him to leave if the fees paid by pupils did not give him the minimum of 8 shillings that he required.

• 1847: Some of the members of Armadale School Committee: Bell, Brock, Harvie, Pollock and Wilson.

• 1847 - 1857:  William Wilson returned and remained until ill-health prompted his resignation.

• 1849: Reverend Byers received £5 p.a. from the Calder Bequest for the education of poor Armadale children.

• 1856: Mr. Hare opened a private school in MacDonald's hall, West Main Street.  He was succeeded by Mr. Gillespie.

• c1857: Alex Gardner of Bathgate took over Armadale Subscription School whose rolls grew rapidly.  Once again, a new school was required.

• 1858: A 16-man management committee was formed.  Subscription lists were sent to all of Armadale's works and every workman was expected to subscribe to the new Subscription School, according to his financial ability.  The new school was due to be built on South Street, behind the area where St Anthony's Social Club now stands.  Donations for the new school came from: £30 from Russell; £30 from Monklands Iron and Steel Co; £20 from Shotts Iron Co; £15 from J. Watson; £10 from the Earl of Rosebery; £10 from William Baillie; £10+ from a Soiree/Ball; plus amounts of 5 shillings to £5 from Armadale shopkeepers and small amounts of 1shilling or 6 pence from miners and other workers.  In this year some of the other schools operating in Armadale were: Mary Campbell's Hall, South Street (teacher David Drysdale; Edward's Hall, next to Armadale Inn (teacher Allan Craig); Bathville Row School (teacher Cornelius Cowan); Mount Pleasant Row School (teachers Elizabeth and Allan Gray).

• 1859, March:  A new Subscription School, costing £328,  was opened.  Controversy soon raged about two issues: vote entitlement re: election of the management committee being limited to those who had subscribed at least five shillings; the dismissal of Headmaster Gardner.  The school had 250 pupils. Every child paid one shilling per month for education.

• 1861: Teacher's salary = £68 p.a.  Visiting inspectors gave an approving report about the school which was run at that time by Mr Gardner.

• 1862: Teacher's salary = £98 p.a. (but this sum included the cost of a female assistant).  Competition was fierce between the Subscription School, private schools, and employers' schools for workers' children.

• 1872: The Education (Scotland) Act received Parliament's approval, and so it became compulsory for minors to receive an education.  Armadale Subscription School was in the area controlled by Bathgate Landward Education Board, which had the responsibility for implementing the Act.  The School's managers agreed to Bathgate's control if they could use the Subscription School premises after 5 p.m. and on Sundays.

• 1873: Compulsory Education Act: School Boards were elected.  Armadale's School Board used the Subscription School premises for which it paid rent, but there was still heated discussion with the School trustees over the building's ownership.  Because of the disagreement between Armadale School Board and Bathgate Landward Education Board, the contract of Mr Thompson, the headteacher of Armadale Subscription School was terminated, but he continued as he had no successor and there was nowhere else for his pupils to go.

• 1874:  Attendance was low at the Subscription School as Monklands Iron and Steel Company's school had re-opened in Mount Pleasant. 9 December: resignation of headmaster.  The School was leased to Bathgate Landward Education Board for one year on a renewable basis.

• 1877:  Bathgate Landward Education Board was given notice of termination to take effect on Whit Sunday that year.  It was the School's managers' intention to return to the style of management conducted pre-1872. The Board agreed that it would not continue with its plans for a new school if it was given control of Armadale Subscription School.  Nevertheless, Rev John Scott, minister of Armadale Parish Church as well as member of the Bathgate Board, was instrumental in securing contracts for a new school.

• 1878 - 1911:  A new Armadale School, the first Board School,  was built in Academy Street in 1878 to accommodate 530 children and it became the responsibility of the Local Education Authority.

• 1883: In May 604 pupils attended the School.  In June a Public Exhibition took place, attended by a number of church ministers; Sir William and Lady Baillie; Dr Anderson, Dr Kirk and Dr Stevenson; Maxwell Durham.  Two dux medallists each received a silver medal.

• 1884: It was decided that a new school should be built for 530 children, but the Chairman, Mr. Scott, was criticised as many thought the school would stand empty for many years, whereas he believed that an extension would probably be needed in 10 years to cope with the additional children in the area.

• 1896:  The old Subscription School building in South Street was bought by Mr. Readman, proprietor of the Barbauchlaw Estate.  He presented the building to the town, free of feu duty,  and it was made into Armadale's Town Hall  at a cost of £700.  It was opened 4 December. (James Wood had objected to the plans a year before because of his concerns about building a public hall on ground that had not settled since coal extraction below.  However, in 1911, he donated £1,000 for alterations to the hall.)

• 1906: A third extension was opened (thereby confirming Scott's belief).  1,300 children were registered on the roll. 

• 1907: A Catholic Chapel School was opened in South Street by Father McGettigan of Musselburgh.  Its 7 classrooms were intended to house up to 360 children, but they could be used for religious services if the dividing partitions were pulled back.

• 1911: James Graham Fairley 1846 1943 Architect of Armadale Public School.  The new public school was opened with a roll of over 1,300 children.

• 1913 - 1918: John Shearer was appointed Headmaster of Armadale Public School.

• 1925:  The Chapel School served an educational purpose only when church services were transferred to the ex-territorial hall in High Academy Street.  RC Chapel School c1923*

• 1958: Miss Dean, teacher at Armadale Public School, retired after 42 years service as a teacher.

• 1963-4: Armadale Junior Secondary (full Primary/junior Secondary/further education facilities) had 36 teachers and 1,159 pupils; Armadale RC Primary had 12 teachers and 362 pupils; Windyknowe Primary had 11 teachers and 266 pupils.

• From 1965 onwards: Implementation of the Primary Memorandum: the primary school curriculum was 'freed' and the 11+ transfer tests were abolished.

• 1967: The organisation of West Lothian Secondary schools changed from separate junior or senior secondary schools to all-through comprehensive secondary schools.  In the same year, Armadale Academy designed by J A W Grant.

• 1968: Armadale Academy's official opening.  It was intended to accept all Protestant children from Armadale and Blackridge.  Six acres of playing field space was developed for the school.

• 1977: St Anthony's Primary School in Greig Crescent designed by Haswell-Smith and Partners.  It replaced the old Chapel School and marked the beginning of secondary Catholic education for Armadale children in Blackburn at St Kentigern's.

"The one in High Academy Street was what we called the baby School - that's where you went in primary First, when you started off the school.  And then the junior School was the smaller building of the two big schools.  And the senior School was the one facing Academy Street.  There were only four classrooms in the baby School.  St Anthony's was on High Academy Street and ower the dyke, practically facing the same way as the junior School."

Davie Kerr, interviewed in Mair Tales Fae The 'Dale

ARMADALE PRIMARY SCHOOL DUXES

Armadale Primary School is holding an event during the Autumn 2008 term to celebrate duxes of the school.

The school dux board that covered the years 1934-71 was found in the 'dungeon' of the school and Mrs. Phillips has agreed to try to have it smartened up and once again put on display in the school.

If you or a member of your family was a dux of the school, please contact Stuart Borrowman on 01506 777019 stuart.borrowman@westlothian.go.uk or Betty Hunter at the library betty.hunter@wled.org.uk

See the Armadale Primary School page for a list of Dux Winners (updated 24 May 2008), courtesy of Stuart Borrowman.

More information about him and early school in Past and Present Chap V

and other schools:

Past and Present Chap X;  Chap XIX

Armadale Schoolchildren 1925*

Girls outside Armadale School, 1975*

School Memorabilia:

Names needed for Armadale School Football Team photos! Can you help us to fill in the gaps in the names under the photos on that page? Photos of staff and pupils, and extracts from school magazines courtesy of David Partner, History teacher in Armadale, 1963 - 1971