23 February 2025: At the end of January, the Parent Council recieved the very sad news about the passing of Sheena Purdom, the former chair of the James Gillespie’s High School Trust. The obituary below was written by Trust members.
Sheena Purdom,1948-2025: Chair, James Gillespie’s Trust
Sheena spent 13 years as a pupil at James Gillespie’s, at a time when it was an all girls school. She made lifelong friends and remained an active member of the local community. Sheena trained as a teacher and followed a career in education until she retired. She taught biology in several Edinburgh high schools, retiring eventually from Leith Academy.
Sheena was always keen to support those who needed an extra helping hand and after retirement, while her daughter was still a pupil at Gillespie’s, she volunteered on the Parent Council, and later represented them on James Gillespie’s Trust. In recent years she has served as a Trustee, giving her time and expertise where it was most needed to support the young people and staff at JGHS. She was always keen to ensure all pupils were able to participate in school activities and that financial barriers were removed wherever possible.
Her time as a Trustee culminated with three years serving as chair of the Trust until she stepped down in November 2024. Sheena made a real difference to so many young people and her legacy will continue as the needs and interests of young people will continue to guide the decisions of the Trust in future.
Sheena has a special place in our hearts and she will be sorely missed.
Funeral service on 28 February 2025
Her funeral service will be held in the Mortonhall Crematorium at 2pm on Friday 28 February 2025. This will be followed by a celebration of Sheena’s life for friends and family at the Braid Hills Hotel. Family flowers only please. Donations will be collected for Air Ambulance Scotland and Guide Dogs.
About the James Gillespie’s Trust
James Gillespie’s Trust was established to harness the tremendous goodwill that is felt for James Gillespie’s High School and to support the work of the school through various educational schemes and community projects.
The Trust provides support and funding for educational and extra-mural activities within James Gillespie’s High School and its community and fosters strong links with past pupils through its alumni section.
JGHS Parent Council 