Welcome new students!

New to Peebles High School? We are here for you!

Firstly, we’d like to say  a very warm welcome to Peebles High School – we can’t wait to meet you!

Sometimes it can be exciting to come to a new school but it can also be a little worrying to get used to everything that is new. This page has lots of information to help you (and your parents or carers) to have a fantastic start here at Peebles High!

The below resources were developed by the school for students joining us from catchment primary schools, however they are useful for all new students:

P7 Transition Booklet containing everything you need to know.

Headteacher Mr Wilson’s P7 Transition 2021 presentation 

Virtual tour of the high school 

Welcome presentation from the Parent Council  (includes audio)

Note to parents and carers

Your child will be in a Personal and Social Education class (PSE) and should have peers from their primary school in that class. The teacher in this class is known as their “pastoral” teacher and is there to support learning and wellbeing. If you have any worries about your child, please contact the school office and ask for the pastoral teacher to contact you (Telephone 01721 720291).

Top tip for uniform – For information there is a local supplier of branded uniform and sports equipment called “Brown and Out”. However there are lots of other suppliers of plain clothing too. In 2020, all students will be allocated a new tie but thereafter if you need a replacement, they are only available from the school office in the new session.

This leaflet from Dyslexia Scotland provides hints and tips for supporting students in the transition to secondary school which is relevant for a range of additional support needs : Transitioning to secondary school with Dyslexia

The Parent Council created a section on the school website called “All you need to know” with information on all sorts of practical things e.g. how to report an absence, how the school day is set up and so on. Hopefully it is a helpful resource for you on an ongoing basis.

The Parent Council can help in all sorts of ways, so please have a look at the other pages on this website. You will find information on our meetings and working groups, including how to support our fundraising efforts.

One S1 parent said:

“My main tip would be encouraging children to ask when they’re not sure! I remember ours having tears over lost timetables and over questions regarding homework etc and then being too ‘scared’ to ask. So my main advice would be to reassure other parents to tell their children that it’s okay to ask at the office, ask a teacher, or ask a senior pupil, for advice/answers to their queries, and to reassure them that they won’t get into trouble for asking!”

What students say

We have worked in partnership with Peeblesshire Youth Trust to provide some hints and tips for settling in at PHS.

Older students made the below video to share lots of great ideas on the best way to make the most of your time at Peebles High.

The main things S1 students said were:

  • Don’t worry about getting lost, everybody does. The size could be daunting compared to your primary. Just ask a teacher or there are older students who wear green ties called Prefects and their job is to help.

  • Also don’t worry about being late to class, teachers expect it of S1s.

  • The fire hasn’t changed the school that much. SBC has made a good job with the new set up.

  • And within a week, you will be amazed that you know the school like the back of your hand.

  • Getting used to buses, for those using the bus for the first time – don’t worry! It’s a great way to make friends from your area and you will get to see them every day.

  • Talking about friends – don’t worry about not making friends. Firstly, you will have people you know from your primary school in your classes, so say hello to them. You really will make new friends easily.

  • One of the best ways to make friends is to join a club eg sport, drama, young engineers, eco-committee, there are loads and all are fun. It is a great way to make friends and get involved in the school – if you don’t like it you can easily stop and try something else.

  • Try the food at school, you will like it! However a top tip is to beat the queues is to get a “grab and go” lunch that you can order at break in the morning which will save you lots of time to let you get to clubs or spend time with your friends.

  • Try and be organised, pack your bag the night before so you don’t panic in the morning.

  • It’s easy to get confused, or not know something in class like homework – always ask. The teachers are so nice and they will help you with anything you need.

  • If you are ever having personal problems eg friendships or something with schoolwork – remember you have a pastoral teacher (PSE) who is there to help you with anything you need. The only regret anyone has about that, is not going sooner as they sort everything out and you feel much better.

  • Above all, remember to just be yourself and not feel you have to change yourself to fit in. Be true to you and everyone will accept you for who you are and embrace your uniqueness!

“Have a great S1 – you are only going to have one once so really enjoy it!”