The school stands on the banks of the Water of Leith, and serves children from Balerno, Kirknewton and Ratho, and also hosts pupils from a variety of areas outside the catchment area such as Currie, East Calder, Mid Calder, Edinburgh and Livingston.

Until the 1970s, secondary education involved Balerno, Ratho and Kirknewton children travelling long distances.

With the rapid population growth in the Balerno area (1000 people in 1960, 15,000 in 1995), plans were drawn up for a £4,600,000 community school and builders prepared to go on site in April 1980.

The Edinburgh Evening News reported a "shock rethink" as late as January 1980 which would "examine the consequences of not proceeding with the project".

The Council even considered the feasibility of expanding places at nearby Currie and Firrhill High Schools.