Independent School Open Days & Taster Events
in Edinburgh & the Lothians

Merchiston Castle School invites prospective Sixth Form entrants to step into Sixth Form life, meet pupils and staff, and observe learning in action within the dedicated Sixth Form House. Whether considering day or boarding, Merchiston Castle School’s Sixth Form Open House offers an authentic glimpse into the community, support, and opportunities that make the Sixth Form a unique place to grow and thrive. The event takes place on Friday, 8 May, from 2:00–4:00 PM. Registration

Cargilfield is Scotland’s first prep school near Edinburgh, offering 150+ years of excellence with outstanding academics and rich extracurriculars. Book a visit at cargilfield.com.

Join Edinburgh Steiner School on May 1 for an Open Tour and discover Waldorf education with screen-free classrooms, lifelong teacher continuity, and a broad, holistic program.

Families considering Year Two to Seven (6 yrs - 10 yrs) options for their children are warmly invited to attend Loretto Junior School’s Taster Day on Monday, 4th May. This is the perfect opportunity for you and your child to experience Loretto’s close-knit community and nurturing environment, according to Loretto's admissions team. You and your child will discover the exceptional opportunities on offer, including an expansive extracurricular programme and Forest School. Du

George Watson's College Junior School is hosting a Playdate for families considering Preschool to P3 on: Saturday, 9 May 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The morning offers discovery activities for children, with opportunities for parents to meet teachers and the leadership team, and to tour the Preschool and Lower Primary to learn what makes the school truly special. Personal tours are also available to see the school, hear from pupils, and meet our leadership team if you

St Mary’s Music School offers a relaxed Pre-Audition Afternoon for P3–P5 pupils to explore chorister life, blending outstanding musical training, strong academics, and a centuries-old choral tradition.

🌲 Forest Friday Open Day – Friday 17th April Clifton Hall School invites families with children in Nursery to Primary 2 to its Forest Friday Open Day. Set within the school's private woodland, the immersive open morning and afternoon will offer children the chance to explore, play and create in nature. Families will participate in a range of age-appropriate woodland-themed arts, crafts and games, designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and a love of outdoor learning. Act

Leading independent Scottish school, Loretto , is holding a Senior School Open Day with a twist on Saturday 7 th March. The Edinburgh-based boarding and day school is offering families the opportunity to individualise their school visit, with custom tours tailored to the prospective pupil’s personal interests and ambitions. Attendees can share their areas of interest and pre-select their chosen subjects to design an open morning entirely catered to their needs, with teac

The Forest at Merchiston hosts an Open Day on 21 March 2026 (9:30–11:30), inviting families to discover outdoor learning as the woodland wakes—nursery to P5 welcome.

Christian Education to Transform a Generation Regius School invites the community to an open day event on 13 March 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Attendees will explore the school's nurturing environment, meet its dedicated educators, and discover how Regius School empowers students in their God-given callings. Regius School is an independent Christian school for children from P1 to S2, dedicated to nurturing each child and enabling them to reach their full potential. Small class

Clifton Hall School: small class sizes, nurturing learning, and no entrance exams on 52 private acres near Edinburgh. Book a Stay and Play session.

Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar, Scotland unveils A Lifelong Companion, a film that shows how Belhaven's prep boarding education sparks lifelong friendships, love of learning, and lasting achievement.

Families are invited to see St Georges School in Action on Friday, 13 March 2026, 9:30 am–12 pm, with campus tours, lessons in action, boarding options, and clubs

Join Cargilfield Nursery on Friday, March 6th, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM for Play & Explore morning! Discover our nurturing environment, meet our Early Years team, and see how we foster confidence and curiosity in children under 5. Book your spot today!

Fettes College, a leading Edinburgh boarding and day school for ages 5-18, offers a world-class education on a stunning 100-acre campus. Discover how Fettes unlocks potential and prepares students for the future. Register for the Open Day on February 28th, 2026.

St Mary’s Music School invites families to its Chorister Pre-Audition Afternoon, a relaxed and welcoming introduction designed especially for P4 pupils who love to sing and are interested in becoming full-time choristers from September 2026. The event sits within the school’s celebrated chorister program, which offers children a unique combination of outstanding musical training, a first-class academic education, and participation in a centuries-old choral tradition. All chor

St Mary’s Music School hosts immersive taster days designed to give young musicians a genuine preview of life as a pupil. Slightly different from a standard open day, the school runs a number of instrumental taster days throughout the year, inviting aspiring players to join in a fun, interactive day of music. Pupils and visitors alike are encouraged to bring their instrument and dive into a world of melody and rhythm. Instrumental Taster Days These days are suitable for child

Discover Loretto Open Events: tour the 85-acre campus, meet staff, and learn how your child can thrive. RSVP for Junior School 27 Feb or Senior School 7 Mar.

Discover The Compass: Open Days in Autumn and Spring, with the next on 7 March 2026. Year‑round tours, priority admissions, and flexible start ages 4–12.

Make informed decisions about your child's education! This guide provides Edinburgh Open Day dates for 2026, giving you the opportunity to visit schools and learn more. Find the perfect independent school for your child in South, West, North Edinburgh, East Lothian, and beyond.

Merchiston School invites families to Open House, a series of relaxed Friday afternoon visits offering an authentic glimpse of life on campus for both day and boarding pupils. Dates: 6 February, 13 March, 24 April, 2–4 PM. Register online via the site, or contact admissions@merchiston.co.uk with any questions.

P1/P2 Hive at Fettes Pre-Prep Open Afternoon Fettes Pre-Prep will host an Open Afternoon for the P1/P2 Hive on Friday 23 January from 3–4 pm. The event highlights how curiosity is encouraged, confidence is nurtured, and a love of learning begins within the Pre-Prep Years. Families will have the opportunity to meet the dedicated team, explore the welcoming classrooms, and experience the nurturing environment provided for the youngest pupils. This Open Afternoon offers a wonder

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.

Two ways to discover Loretto School Musselburgh for Pre-Schoolers: join a Stay and Play session or attend Open Days. Book via the link or admissions@loretto.com.

Discover Clifton Hall School's Nursery! Explore a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5 at our Stay & Play session. Explore our garden, playrooms, and Forest Kindergarten. Arrange a personalised visit today.

Cargilfield School and Nursery Open Days • Open Morning: Friday, January 16th, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Experience a regular school morning with tours, meetings, and a look at lessons and activities. • Nursery Play & Explore Mornings: Friday, January 30th & Friday, March 6th, 2026, 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Relaxed sessions for prospective nursery parents to meet the team and explore the spaces. Both events require booking through a provided form.

On Friday, 27 February 2026, Erskine Stewart Melville will host 'Tea, Talk & Tour,' an intimate event designed to provide families with a unique opportunity to experience the school and gain insights into its community. This event is specifically tailored for families seeking a relaxed environment to engage in conversations, ask questions, and discover what life is like at Erskine Stewart Melville. Attendees will be welcomed into the Principal's Study for refreshments and di

At St George’s, girls thrive in a nurturing, confidence-building environment that offers early leadership opportunities and strong support throughout every stage. The S1 entrance assessments are scheduled for Friday, 16 January, and Tuesday, 20 January 2026. For a clear, simple overview of what to expect, readers can take a look at the article linked here 👉 The article includes information on assessment formats, criteria beyond test results, the school's welcoming process

Discover Cargilfield, Scotland's First Prep School! Celebrating 150 years of excellence, we offer a dynamic, enriching environment where every child thrives. From outstanding academics to vibrant activities, experience the adventure at Cargilfield!

Discover Fettes Prep: a leading school fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and kindness in a supportive environment. Prepare your child for the future with our innovative approach and superb facilities. Visit our Open Day on October 4th! Register now at fettes.com.

St Leonards, St Andrews: Open Morning, Saturday, October 4th. St Leonards School is delighted to announce its upcoming Open Morning,...

The Montessori method supports much more than academic achievement. By respecting natural development and encouraging independence, it helps children grow in confidence, focus and resilience. Its emphasis on self-motivation, practical skills and social development nurtures not only intellectual growth but also mental balance and physical well-being.

Choosing a school? Make the most of Independent School Open Days! They're your chance to explore different schools and find the best fit for your child. Get prepared with our '101 Questions for Open Days'. See the Edinburgh and Lothian school Open Day dates below, listed by date. We recommend attending as many as possible to find the perfect school!

Discover St George's: an empowering all-through school in Edinburgh for girls aged 3-18. Experience our Open Days on October 4th & 7th. Learn, achieve, and thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment. Register now!

Discover Edinburgh Montessori Arts School, a unique educational approach fostering 21st-century skills. Inspired by Maria Montessori, we nurture children's individual growth through arts, nature, and exploration, from ages 1 through senior phase. Join us for our Open Day on October 4th! Contact us at 0131 600 0123 or office@emaschool.co.uk. Visit www.emaschool.co.uk.

Discover the benefits of Montessori education! Visit The Montessori School, Edinburgh & Nursery School (Murrayfield) Open Day on September 27th. Learn about our child-centered approach, fostering independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Reserve your spot today!

Merchiston Castle School Open Day: Explore The Forest (ages 3-9) & Senior School (ages 9-18). Discover a community that fosters individual growth, academic excellence, and prepares students for life. Register now for Saturday, October 4th!

Achieve academic excellence and personal growth at George Watson's College. Benefit from a supportive environment, exceptional facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Visit our Open Morning on October 4th or apply now

The Edinburgh Academy offers a nurturing and inspiring co-educational environment, combining strong academics with Character Education. Founded in 1824, we provide exceptional teaching, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities to help students thrive. Contact us at 0131 624 4987 or admissions@edinburghacademy.org.uk.

The Compass School: Affordable independent primary and nursery education in East Lothian. Offering a comprehensive curriculum, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment. Open Day: Saturday 27th!

Start your school search with confidence! This guide offers 101 essential questions to help you evaluate schools, identify your needs, and find the perfect environment for your child.

Discover essential tips for choosing the right school for your child. This guide covers Open Day insights, from pre-registration to quizzing pupils, plus advice on assessing school size, ethos, and how to align with your child's future aspirations.

Cargilfield Nursery Pupils Discover Cargilfield - visit our open morning on Friday 3rd October As Scotland’s first prep school,...

Discover Clifton Hall School's inspiring environment at our Open Day! See our sports grounds, science labs, and more. Meet our leadership team and learn how we nurture every student's potential. Friday, September 12th. Register today!

Loretto offers more than just an education – it's a place where every child and their talents are nurtured. You are warmly invited to...

Prep for Life Open Evening Thursday 12th June 2025 6pm-7pm Fettes Prep School, East Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 1DL Join Fettes Prep...

Find out about Montessori Nursery - Murrayfield on Friday 9 May, 2.15-3.15pm Get in touch here. Welcome to The Montessori Nursery &...

Give your daughter the gift of a world-class education. St. George's Junior School Open Day, May 9th, showcases our innovative enrichment pr

Discover St. Leonards! Join our Open Morning on May 5th at 9:30 am to tour our campus, meet staff & pupils, and learn about our award-winning IB curriculum. Ages 4-18.

Discover Edinburgh's only independent prep school for boys & girls (ages 3-13)! Join our Open Morning, Friday, May 2nd, 9am-12pm, & see our 13-acre campus, extensive extracurriculars, and flexible boarding options. Morning buses available. All welcome!