Broughton High School

In 1905, a grand new building arose on McDonald Road. This was the new Broughton High School. It was built to accommodate the burgeoning number of students at the original Broughton School. Broughton High School quickly became a cornerstone of the community. It offered a high standard of education to children from all backgrounds. The school boasted state-of-the-art facilities, including physical and chemical laboratories, workshops, art rooms, a gymnasium, and recreation rooms. The school’s motto, “Fortiter et Recte,” meaning “bravely and uprightly,” reflected its commitment to academic excellence and character development. The early 20th century was a golden age for Broughton High School. Two major poets, Hugh MacDiarmid and J.K. Annand, emerged from its halls. Numerous Broughton alumni went on to secure places at Edinburgh University and other prestigious institutions. They excelled in fields such as Arts, Science, Law, and Medicine. In 1917, the school song, “Broughton for Ever,” was composed. It was a tribute to the teachers and students who lost their lives in the Great War. Five years later, in 1924, the school badge was designed, solidifying the school’s identity. Broughton High School eventually moved from its McDonald Road location to Carrington Road in 1972. This transition marked its shift to a comprehensive secondary school. The move was met with awe by staff and students, who marveled at the size and resources of the new building. Over the years, Broughton High School has continued to evolve. The City of Edinburgh Music School was established within Broughton in 1980. A specialist Dance unit was founded in 1998. The school has also fostered a strong tradition of pupil-led magazines. The school library houses copies of these publications dating back to 1911. In 2009, Broughton High School moved into a new, state-of-the-art building. This marked another milestone in the school’s long and rich history. It reinforced its commitment to providing a modern and stimulating learning environment for future generations. Broughton High School has consistently nurtured talent across diverse fields, from literature and music to sports and business, shaping countless lives and contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Edinburgh.