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Edinburgh Montessori Arts School reveals how guiding intrinsic motivation in the early years through autonomy, competence and relatedness builds independent, resilient learners.

Language learning is most effective when children feel safe, engaged, and unpressured. Get Talking Spanish brings expert-led, play-based sessions to Edinburgh nurseries, schools, and parent‑and‑child groups, focusing on understanding first, then speaking. By balancing careful vocabulary introduction with meaningful repetition in a relaxed, fun environment, children build confidence, enjoy learning, and lay lasting foundations in

Scottish child psychotherapist Paul Bell backs the UK consultation, urging targeted action to address social media’s risks to young people’s mental health.

Home education: why are so many parents choosing it over mainstream school? We explore the rise of home education in the UK, the lack of a national register, routes (full-time, flexi-schooling, motivations, and policy implications (including Edinburgh’s consent process).

Pupils using the new loose parts equipment in the playground: creativity, problem solving and collaboration skills in action. What’s the news about skills? As part of its Strategic Ambition 2025-2030, George Heriot’s School is focussing on three academic areas, the first of which is skills. Heriot’s is developing a Meta-Skills Framework, anchored in the existing 5Cs model (curious, collaborative, creative, caring, critical thinking). This will underpin a whole school pathway

Don't worry, you can turn it around with 2Stepsahead Tutoring in Scotland Based near Edinburgh and serving families across Edinburgh and the Lothians they specialise in SQA subjects at all levels, with flexible options to suit busy lives. Tutors offer both face-to-face tutoring and online sessions, plus targeted help for primary subjects and independent school entry. What they offer • SQA tutoring across Foundation/National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher • Primary subjects an

Clifton Hall School in Edinburgh hosts a free, adults-only workshop for families with children aged 3–6 on 30 April, 6–7 pm, covering phonics, early numeracy, outdoor learning, and readiness for primary education. Register via the contact form for Preparing for Primary One.

An Edinburgh teacher shares her perspective on smartphones in schools, why a meaningful citywide policy is needed, and how you can help shape what’s next.   By Emily Borrill In September 2025, Edinburgh Council announced it was looking into ways to implement a meaningful, citywide ban on smartphones in schools. The Council is now asking parents, teachers, and pupils to share their views (consultation can be found  here ) and help shape a policy that is both effective and enfo

Athena Language Camps offer week-long language adventures for teens (13–17) in Spain or France, blending lessons with culture, outdoor activities, and real-world immersion.

Discover why adolescents thrive with "Research Through Experience." This innovative educational approach, rooted in neuroscience, transforms learning by connecting teens with meaningful work and challenges, leading to deeper understanding and engagement.

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School (EMAS) fosters linguistic diversity, celebrating over 21 languages alongside English. They nurture children's first languages, promoting emotional expression and identity through multilingual activities. From Nursery to High School, EMAS offers French immersion, Spanish, and other language choices, enhancing cognitive skills, cultural empathy, and global connection. Learn more about their approach!

Simon Brian, Head, St Leonards School, St Andrews Calls for Repeal Following Front-Page Coverage in The Scotsman St Leonards School has issued a statement today following last week’s front-page coverage in The Scotsman, in which Head, Mr Simon Brian, speaks out against the UK Government’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees. Describing the policy as a “live experiment” being conducted on children’s education, Mr Brian has called on national leaders to urgently r

Navigating the decision of whether to defer your child's school start? This guide, written by a former teacher, offers essential advice on seeking professional insights and considering your child's individual needs and social dynamics. Learn how to make an informed choice that prioritises your child's long-term success and well-being.

In Scotland, the school entry cutoff date of February 28th means a child can start Primary 1 as young as four and a half years old. Recent changes in local council policy allow children who are not yet five by August to defer entry for a year and remain in funded nursery education. Furthermore, children who turn five before August can apply to delay their school start. This means a primary class could now encompass a significant age range, with some children starting as

Rod Grant & Cameron Wyllie, known for their bold views on Scottish education, team up in the "Two Heads Are Better Than One" podcast. Get ready for passionate discussions on the real issues facing schools today!

Primary 1 Registration in Edinburgh: Find key dates, required documents, and how to register your child for primary school. Includes information on catchment areas, out-of-catchment requests, and important deadlines. From November 1st, register online at edinburgh.gov.uk/p1registration.

Author: Lydia’s Tuition   Helping Your Child Prepare For Private School Entrance Exams When choosing an educational setting for your child, you may be considering private schooling. Here in Edinburgh private schools are known as Independent Schools. Many schools in Edinburgh require students to sit an entrance exam to determine whether they will be offered a place. It’s a daunting prospect for children and parents alike but entrance exams needn’t be nerve-wracking. It’s simp

Discover what to expect for assessment into independent Primary (ages 4-5) and secondary schools (ages 11-12) in Edinburgh.

Local authorities in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, are now permitting deferrals for all children entering Primary 1 this August. This long

Author: LS Tuition With parents’ evenings taking place in primary schools across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland around now, here are our private tutor’s top tips on negotiating those all-important pupil progress meetings with teachers. Parents’ evening is one of the most valuable events in the school year, giving parent carers the chance to connect with their child’s teacher, understand their progress, and learn how they’re managing in school day to day. But parents’ even