Attainment in Edinburgh schools is at the highest levels ever recorded within the senior phase
A report highlighting achievements and progress in attainment among learners for academic session 2025-26 was discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee on 3 November.
Pupils in S4-S6 achieved the best attainment on record for the Council for almost all key breadth and depth measures including the number gaining good passes in National 3-5, Higher and Advanced Higher. The number of vocational qualifications passes also improved from 914 in 2023 to 2216 in 2026.
In primary schools, literacy and numeracy has improved on last year.
Despite the positive progress, there is more to be done to close the poverty related attainment gap and guidance and support continues to be offered to schools to make closing the gap a priority.
Commenting on the report, Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “This report shows the highest ever recorded attainment for young people in Edinburgh.
“The achievement shines a light on the hard work of our pupils, teachers and school staff. The National and Higher results are fantastic and to have over 2000 people achieve vocational passes is incredible work. These courses help young people make informed choices and also offer a route into work.
“While attainment overall has improved, the gap between the richest and poorest in Edinburgh is still too wide. I am committed to working closely with officers to understand why this is the case and how we can work to close the poverty related attainment gap.”
First phase of Your Voice: Visitor Levy is now open for ideas until 6 December 2026
Residents across Edinburgh are being asked to share their ideas for how some of the funds raised through the Visitor Levy should be spent in their local areas, as the Council launches Your Voice: Visitor Levy.
Each of the Council’s 17 electoral wards will benefit from a share of £1.7m over three years, allowing the benefits to reach every part of the city. Residents will directly decide how to spend the portion of Levy income in their local ward via a new online voting portal.
The initiative is a new Participatory Budgeting programme, which gives residents the chance to suggest ideas and vote on how public money should be spent. Visitor Levy funding must be reinvested in facilities and services used by visitors, helping to improve Edinburgh for residents, workers and students too.
The share of the fund that each ward will receive is influenced by local needs and population, with areas of greater economic need getting a slightly larger share.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to help shape how a portion of Visitor Levy funding is invested in neighbourhoods across the city.
“We want to hear directly from local people about what matters most in your communities – and encourage visitors to see more of the Edinburgh’s wonderful neighbourhoods beyond the city centre.
“The ideas you share now will help community groups in your area develop proposals that reflect genuine local priorities and deliver things that benefit both residents and visitors.
“We know communities themselves are best placed to identify local needs and opportunities, and we’re keen to make participation easy as possible with plenty of opportunities to participate and have your say.
“Whether it’s improving parks and public spaces, supporting cultural activities, celebrating local heritage, or creating new opportunities for sport and physical activities, now is your chance to tell us what would make the biggest difference where you live.
“These suggested themes are just a starting point, and we’re looking forward to seeing the first sets of project ideas emerge and take shape in every corner of the city.”
The first stage of the initiative opens today with a call for communities and residents to say how they want the money to be spent in their area.
Step 1: Tell us your ideas (9 November – 6 December 2026) Before applications open, we want to hear from local people about what matters to them most. Ideas shared will help community groups and charities put forward projects that reflect real local needs.
People can take part in two ways:
Submit ideas online: tell us what kind of projects you want to see funded in your local community.
Invite the Your Voice team to a meeting: community groups with a meeting or network event between 9 November and 6 December can get in touch at yourvoice@edinburgh.gov.uk, and a member of the team will attend to explain the project and collect ideas.
Potential projects could include:
Community and public art
Cultural events and performances
Sport events and physical activities
Improvements to parks and public spaces
Heritage and community history projects
These are just suggestions, and everyone who takes part will also be given the opportunity to suggest other types of projects.
Next steps
4 January – 6 March 2027: Applications open. Community organisations and charities will apply for funding in response to the ideas and priorities local people have shared.
May – June 2027: Residents vote. Local people will decide which proposals they want to see funded in their ward.
June – July 2027: Awards made. Successful applicants with the highest number of votes will receive the funding.
Your Voice: Visitor Levy is funded by the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, which came into effect in July.
The initiative has been designed to empower the city’s local communities, increase civic engagement and improve Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods in a way that addresses local priorities.
In accordance with the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act (2024), funds raised by the levy must be reinvested in local facilities and services substantially used by business and leisure visitors. However, participatory budgeting may also benefit residents and those who work and study in Edinburgh.
The levy’s agreed investment programmes are worth over £90 million over the next three years and have been designed to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.
The £2.62m Innovate Fund to provide extra support for all eligible cultural and arts organisations – including those operating at a local community level – to improve resilience, support programming innovation and enhance cultural output.
A £132,000 contribution towards Edinburgh’s Festival Carnival and Mardi Gras events, which took place over the weekend of 18/19 July, providing an early demonstration of the Council’s intent to reinvest the levy’s funds into experiences that everyone can enjoy, whether they are visitors or residents.
Funding ten festival city ambassadors to help visitors find their way around the capital this summer, and work alongside the Council’s partners to make sure Edinburgh remains a vibrant and inclusive place.
Green councillor for Southside/Newington, Steve Burgess, will ask Edinburgh’s Planning Committee tomorrow (Wednesday 11th November) to bring forward a Place Brief for Summerhall, recognising the “cultural, creative and community space” that thrives there.
Summerhall is home to more than 100 small businesses, hundreds of artists and performers, and one of the Fringe’s leading venues.
Its owner has chosen a preferred bidder, who is consulting on plans for partial demolition and new hotels, student flats and serviced apartments alongside a reduced arts centre.
Councillor Burgess is urging the council to establish a Place Brief to recognise its artistic and cultural value.
Councillor Burgess said: “On Wednesday, Greens are calling on every party on the Planning Committee to protect Summerhall. Planning guidance must be strengthened so that any future development takes account of the hundreds of artists, performers and small businesses who make Summerhall what it is.
“With artistic and cultural spaces at St Margaret’s House and Argyle House already lost, the city can’t afford to lose another. It has the power to save Summerhall, but it must act now rather than let developers preside over its destruction.”
A Place Brief is a set of high-level planning principles, drawn up by the local authority, to guide the development, design and use of a specific site.
The Astley Ainslie Place Brief, on which the Council is currently consulting, is a recent example.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing service is investing in its repairs service for tenants while giving young people the opportunity to kickstart their careers.
The latest intake of nine new trainees through the Modern Apprenticeship programme brings the number of apprentices in the service to 25 – a record high – across trades including painting and decorating, joinery and plumbing.
By developing its in-house team, the Council aims to grow its skilled workforce to support the investment needed to improve the quality of its homes across the city.
Joinery apprentice Harry said:“I’ve mostly been doing repairs and I’ve been enjoying it, all the tenants are really nice.
“I like being able to visualise things, like building kitchens – having a view on what it could look like and then doing it and seeing the result at the end of it. It’s quite a good process, it’s satisfying.
Painting and decorating apprentice Sarah added:“My experience with the Council jobs are great – they all have been so different, so I get a chance to experience different techniques and ways to fix the problems.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “In Edinburgh we continue to face a Housing Emergency, with demand for homes high and thousands of people living in temporary accommodation.
“Having said that, we’re making good progress with actions to address these pressures, and thanks to this I’m pleased that the number of people living in unsuitable accommodation continues to drop.
“Trainees brought in through the Modern Apprenticeship programme play a key role in bringing more homes into use and improving the comfort and quality of our tenants’ homes. I’m delighted to see a whole new intake of apprentices developing their skills across our estate, who will eventually have the opportunity of a permanent role at the Council when they complete their training.”
The Council declared a housing emergency in November 2023 in response to rising homelessness, affordability pressures and significant demand for homes in the Capital.
In February, as part of the Housing and Homelessness Budget Investment Strategy, a record £1.6bn was committed to increasing affordable housing and reducing the use of temporary accommodation across the city. Bringing void Council houses back into use through repairs and improvements – and growing the in-house workforce – is central to this.
Apprenticeships at the Council offer paid work while gaining experience and recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships across the Council include social care, childcare, horticulture and business management.
The Council Leader has thanked residents and partners for their efforts in keeping communities safe during Bonfire Night celebrations:
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “While it’s encouraging to see that Bonfire Night was broadly a peaceful evening across the city, I was angry and disappointed to see isolated incidents of disorder, with a small minority seemingly intent on causing fear and alarm in our communities.
“We cannot and must not accept this type of mindless behaviour, in particular the targeting of our emergency services, and I hope those responsible are caught and brought to justice as soon as possible.
“For all that, I’m pleased that the majority of our residents were able to enjoy the celebrations in the way we would expect – with friends and loved ones at community-led displays – and that bus services were able to run as normal.
“Months of planning and close partnership working have gone into preparing for this period, and I’d like to thank our council teams, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, community organisations and our other partners for all their efforts.
“Our approach has focused on prevention as well as enforcement, from Firework Control Zones to engaging with young people and providing positive alternative activities. The organised events across the city also went well, offering families and communities the opportunity to come together. I’m grateful to everyone who has played their part in making these efforts count.
“I’d like to reiterate my thanks to residents for acting responsibly, looking out for one another and helping to keep their neighbourhoods safe – and hope that they will remember Bonfire Night for all the right reasons.”
Following a successful approach last year, when events passed without serious incident, the Council is stepping up preparations to help ensure this year’s fireworks season is safe and enjoyable.
The Council is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, follow firework safety advice and attend an organised fireworks display wherever possible. Organised events provide an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while reducing the risks associated with fireworks being set off in streets and residential areas.
Firework Control Zones will be in place across 14 areas of the city from 30 October to 8 November, prohibiting the use of fireworks within designated zones, including on private property.
These zones are designed to address concerns about the dangerous misuse of fireworks and to protect vulnerable people, animals, and the environment.
These measures will be supported by Police Scotland’s Dispersal Zones and other enforcement activity, forming part of a coordinated approach to preventing disorder and protecting the public.
Working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Council has been supporting education throughout the year to help young people understand the risks associated with fireworks and make safer choices. Funding for youth programmes and alternative activities will also provide positive opportunities for young people to spend time together.
Council teams and community volunteers are also taking practical steps to reduce risks in neighbourhoods. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent items being used to start dangerous fires.
Residents are also being asked to consider neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to loud noise and to report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Bonfire Night should be a chance for families and communities to come together and enjoy a much-loved tradition. Residents should be able to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, knowing that everything possible is being done to reduce the risks associated with fireworks season.
L”ast year showed what can be achieved when the Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners work together. We saw a real difference, with events passing without serious incident, and we want to build on that progress this year.
“We know that most people want to celebrate responsibly. However, the dangerous actions of a minority can put lives at risk, disrupt local services and cause real distress to residents. We will not allow that behaviour to spoil Bonfire Night for our communities.
“Preparations are well underway, from Firework Control Zones and targeted enforcement to education, youth activities and practical work to tackle hazards in our neighbourhoods. We are doing everything we can to help keep Edinburgh safe, and we’re asking residents to play their part too.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Please think about the impact your actions can have on others, follow the safety advice, and report dangerous behaviour when you see it.
“By working together, we can build on last year’s progress and help make Bonfire Night a positive occasion for the whole city.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrision, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said:As we approach the 5 November, we are working closely with partners to ensure Edinburgh’s communities remain safe.“
“Our priority is to make sure that residents can enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, whilst robustly tackling the minority of those who choose to engage in dangerous, disruptive, or antisocial behaviour.
“In collaboration with stakeholders, we have delivered and supported a range of engagement events, diversionary activities, and awareness-raising sessions with a view to preventing criminal activity during Bonfire Night. However, we know from previous years that a small number of individuals will view this period as an opportunity to cause disorder.
“Attacks on emergency services are completely unacceptable. Our officers along with fire and ambulance crews work tirelessly to keep the city’s communities safe. Any violence, hostility, or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held to account.
“Our own local policing teams will be supported by specialist resource as part of Operations Moonbeam and Amberlight and will be ready to respond as required.”
Residents can visit the Council website for further information about Firework Control Zones, safety advice and organised fireworks displays.
Scottish Government legislation to regulate Short Term Lets in Edinburgh has been branded “not fit for purpose” by Liberal Democrat councillors, and is causing frustration for people across the city.
The SNP-written laws, which were meant to allow parity between planning permission and the licensing system, have a built-in loophole which has allowed some Short Term Let operators to continue operating even after refusal of planning permission from the Council and the Government alike.
Mandatory Condition 13 allows a licence to be in place and an operator to trade, as long as a planning application has been lodged. This means that operators can re-apply for planning permission after refusal, which has clagged up the Council’s system and caused confusion.
Liberal Democrat Councillors believe it would be far more sensible to require planning permission to be in place before a licence is granted.
At Thursday’s City of Edinburgh Council meeting, Lib Dem councillors are explicitly calling for that loophole to be closed and for the Council leader to write directly to the First Minister about the issue, after Scottish Government ministers have dismissed the concerns being raised by Edinburgh residents.
Commenting on the proposal, Regulatory Convenor Councillor Neil Ross said: “The primary purpose of Short Term Let regulation is to enhance safety.
“The system the Scottish Government have put in place has complicated matters and it’s been incredibly frustrating they’ve not listened to either Edinburgh residents or councillors who’ve repeatedly brought this loophole to their attention.”
Development-Management sub-committee convenor Councillor Hal Osler said “Regulation must be applied consistently.The current laws are hampering the Council’s ability to do this and assure residents that enforcement resources are being put in the right place.
“We’ll keep raising this issue until the Scottish Government allow Edinburgh to properly control Short Term Lets.”
Other items on a full Agenda today include the sudden closure of North Edinburgh Childcare (as things stand, NEC is set to close it’s doors for the final time tomorrow) and the impending eviction of arts and culture organisations from St Margaret’s House at Jock’s Lodge.
