Mrs Julie Fardell - Principal

I took up my post as Principal of the Royal Blind School on 14 September 2009. Prior to that I was the Principal of the Alice Betteridge School at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children in Sydney, Australia. I am deeply committed to ensuring that children and young people with visual impairment, including those with multiple disabilities, are supported to achieve their full potential and to take their place as effective and valued members of the community. I have devoted most of my professional career to the education of people with sensory impairment, as a teacher, leader and manager in early learning, school and post-school settings. With Masters qualifications in Visual Impairment and Education Management, I am committed to lifelong learning and continuing professional development. I look forward to leading the Royal Blind School to continue and build upon its fine reputation as a Centre of Excellence in the education of children and young people who are visually impaired.

Elaine Brackenridge - Depute Head Teacher – Outreach

I joined the Senior Leadership Team at the Royal Blind School in February 2009. Prior to my appointment as a Depute Head Teacher, I worked as a Specialist Teacher, Visual Impairment within a unit provision in a mainstream school. Previous experiences involved working within a school for multiply disabled visually impaired pupils, a specialist school for blind and deaf pupils and mainstream primary schools. I have a B.Ed Degree (Primary), a post graduate diploma in Special Educational Needs, Visual Impairment and was awarded Chartered Teacher status in 2005.

Julie Jamieson - Depute Care

I took up post at the Craigmillar Park Campus of the Royal Blind School as Head of Care in August of1998. Later in 2007 taking up the Depute Care post across both the Craigmillar Park and Canaan Lane campuses. I have 24 years of experience in various senior posts within Residential Childcare, Disability and Mental Health, having worked largely but not exclusively within the voluntary sector. I am a qualified Social Worker (Dip SW) and have additional qualifications in Social Care, Management and Child Protection.

Sally Mair - Depute Head Teacher – Support for Pupils

I trained in Scotland as a primary teacher, and am also a qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired. I first worked in the Royal Blind School as a supply teacher in 1989. I then joined the regular staff in January 1991 and worked at Craigmillar Park Campus before moving over to Canaan Lane. I’ve been based at Canaan Lane since 1992, except for a period of 6 months, as Class Teacher, Principal Teacher and now Depute Head. I’m based at Canaan Lane, however my remit covers the wider school.

Cari Mannion - Depute Head Teacher – Curriculum

I joined The Royal Blind School late in 2000 as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. I hold primary and secondary teaching qualifications and post graduate qualifications in visual impairment and theology. Before my appointment to the School I worked in several mainstream comprehensive secondary schools in the Lothian area. I have a cross campus remit and am based at Craigmillar Park Campus.