We are passionate about getting it right for every child and we do this through ensuring a positive, caring and inclusive ethos across the school. We want everyone who comes to our school to feel this in how we behave and in our relationships with others. We celebrate pupil’s individuality and interests and adopt a zero tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination and bullying.

Our vision -  At Canongate we use the phrase 'Canongate, the gate to a great future'.  This means we want to do everything possible to build strong foundations for all areas of learning and positive relationships.  We focus on skills that foster effective self management, social intelligence and that promote innovation and creativity. We want every child to thrive in their learning, relationships and health.

Our values - Our school values were created with all stake holders and we regularly review them with our pupils and staff.  We believe that respect, kindness, ambition and equity are at the core of all that we want to achieve.  We want everyone to respect each other, themselves, our properties and the world around us.  We want every one that works with us to try their best and have a growth mindset to help us keep trying.  We believe that kindness works both ways in that by being kind we have a universal force for good and that in turn  we are supporting our own mental health and the mental and physical health of others. We believe that we should all value the need for equity in our school.  We help others and aim to make sure that everyone gets what they need to be happy and to learn.

Our aims - In 2024, we chose to align our aims with the GIRFEC wellbeing principles of ensuring that our children are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and that they are in an inclusive environment.

School roll: 198

Nursery roll: 25

The school was built in 1971 and is mainly on one level. We are extremely fortunate with our extensive grassy areas and a small sensory garden area that are used by all classes. There is a small tarmac area for some games at the rear of the school.  The playground has been enhanced by a range of equipment, picnic tables, bike and scooter racks and an enhanced Primary One Play area. We are fortunate with our location, being within walking distance of the beach, the lovely town of St Andrews and being next door to the lovely Botanic Gardens.

There are currently 8 classrooms , a communal room that is used as a 'bookery' and performance/ group space, a communal room upstairs that is used for group work and two small offices. Each area has a communal area outside of the classrooms and each class has direct access to toilets and cloakrooms from their classroom.

We have a large hall that is used for assemblies, indoor PE sessions and lunches. We have a kitchen so school meals are prepared on site.  We have accessibility access through our new ramps into the school at the hall, main entrance and three classrooms.

Our nursery has one spacious playroom, efficiently equipped with all play learning areas, utility area, toilet area and a lovely outdoor area where core provision is also offered.

At Canongate we are very proud to host two primary enhanced classrooms, Oak and Sycamore, which serve children with significant additional support needs  from Madras and Waid Clusters. Referrals to this department are made via a local resource panel and not directly through the school.

Daily Timetable

The School Day

Morning - 9am to 12.35pm
Afternoon - 1.20pm to 3pm

Morning interval from 10.40am - 10.55am

Nursery operates from 9am to 3pm with full day model during term time.

School Uniform

Canongate Primary School has a uniform policy of

• white or blue polo shirts or blouse/ shirt  with royal blue school sweatshirt
• black or grey trousers/ skirts or shorts are preferred
• school jumpers, sweatshirts and polo shirts with the logo are available to order
• we offer a reversible waterproof/fleece jacket in royal blue which is available to order also
• dark trainers for school as we promote daily exercise
• dark school shoes are also acceptable

As a school we fully endorse supporting parents with the cost of the school day and do not insist on jumpers/ sweatshirts with logos. We do prefer pupils to wear the correct royal blue colour which is available in most supermarkets at a low cost.  Our parent council can provide iron on transfers for a cost of £2 if you wish to use these.

Our parent council also run a pre loved uniform shop which can be available at any time.  Whilst a donation is accepted, any family who needs uniform and is unable to make a donation is welcome to take any items they may require.

Pupils have two hours of PE each week, both indoors and outdoors.  In most cases, school uniform will suffice for PE with correct footwear. Children are able to wear dark joggers/ leggings/ shorts for PE and by wearing these to school this will avoid spending time changing clothes.

Most classes visit the forest or sensory garden and we encourage wellies/ suitable coat and possible change of clothes on these days.  The school has lots of spare waterproofs and wellies if needed.

School Uniform can be ordered online at Border Embroideries where we have our own school page. Visit BE Uniforms.