Independent Schools 
in Edinburgh & the Lothians

Loretto Golf Academy appoints Joanne Free, former Scotland international and US collegiate golfer, strengthening its coaching team and expanding opportunities for young players.

The Edinburgh Academy is a co-educational day school in Edinburgh, catering to pupils aged 2 to 18. We asked the school to provide an overview of the kind of experience and ethos that pupils can expect. What personal qualities does The Edinburgh Academy aim to develop in its pupils? At The Edinburgh Academy, education goes beyond excellent exam results. We combine academic excellence with Character Education—nurturing kind, confident and resilient young people. How does the A

Edinburgh is set to become one of Scotland’s first authorities to ban mobile phones in schools, introducing bell-to-bell restrictions with lockable pouches for secondary pupils and cabinets for primary pupils, backed by a £400k budget and feedback from almost 14,000 respondents.

Starting August 2026, ESMS will unite ESMS Junior School, The Mary Erskine School and Stewart’s Melville College into one co-educational 3–18 campus, strengthening arts, wellbeing and outdoor learning, with extensive clubs and activities.

Dollar Academy, just 30–40 minutes from Edinburgh, is a leading day and boarding school for ages 5–18. Voted European School of the Year 2025–26, it offers 120+ co-curriculars, strong university destinations, and family-style boarding on a 70-acre campus.

Emma Rattigan explains why Edinburgh Montessori Arts School is an arts school: a learning space where creativity drives inquiry, exploration, and growth—without judgment.

Mark Becher, Headmaster of The Compass School in Haddington, has just completed a formidable coast-to-coast walking challenge across Scotland and, in so doing, has so far raised over £6300 for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Mark began his journey in the town of Ayr (where he was born and grew up) last Sunday (24 May) and in the days that followed, travelled across the country to the school where he has spent almost half his life, The Compass in Haddington, arrivi

An invitation to all parents of 3-5 year olds from Fettes Prep School. The event invites curious explorers aged 3–5 years to a fun-filled morning on Friday, 12 June, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Fettes Pre-Prep. Participants will explore the 100 acres to search for hidden mini creatures, discover nature, and experience outdoor learning the Fettes way. Registration is available here. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Parents are invited to learn more about Fet

Jill Drummond, Headteacher at Clifton Hall School, discusses the importance of play-based learning and outdoor education in early years development, and introduces the new Cedar Early Years Centre opening in August 2026.

Here's a quick A–Z listing of the top independent schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians. For this year, fees including VAT pupil numbers, headteacher, examinations taken and much more see: 2026/27 Nursery and School Guide Magazine. Belhaven Hill School Belhaven Hill School Dunbar, EH42 1NN 01368 862785 admissions@belhavenhill.com What Co-educational preparatory school, with day and boarding pupils Who 5-13 years For up-to-date information and easy-to-compare schools: Total n

Discover why parents choose Cargilfield: excellent academics, diverse activities, and a nurturing environment. Named Best UK Prep School 2026. Book a visit

The Montessori School in Murrayfield nurtures confident learners aged 2½-12. Discover their personalised Montessori approach in Edinburgh's leafy surroundings.

Essential guide for Edinburgh parents: find 100+ nurseries, compare state & private schools, understand the education system, and discover local children's activities.

Regius School is an independent Christian school for P1–S2 with small class sizes, personalised learning, outdoor education, and flexible pathways rooted in Christian values.

By Merchiston School, Edinburgh Set within 100 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland, Merchiston Castle School provides an education shaped by caring relationships, high expectations and meaningful opportunities. Our campus offers a safe and inspiring environment where children can explore, learn and grow in every direction. The Forest at Merchiston offers a co-educational Nursery and Primary experience, rolling through to P7 by 2028. A strong academic curriculum is seamle

Clifton Hall School, Edinburgh, describes itself as a warm school with a supportive education, no entrance exams, a bespoke Nursery, and excellent sport, arts, and pastoral care.

Nursery & School Guide marks 21 years by merging into a single Edinburgh & Lothians edition, available in print or online. Founded in 2005 by Nikki Miller, it lists and ranks schools (independent/state) and daycare nurseries.

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.

Emma Rattigan, Principal at Edinburgh Montessori Art School, shows how Montessori principles blend with a vibrant arts program to nurture curious, independent learners.

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

by Charlie Minogue, Headmaster - Fettes Preparatory School Charlie Minogue, Headmaster - Fettes Preparatory School In a world of fast content and constant distraction, the quiet act of reading may seem old-fashioned. It is anything but. As Headmaster of Fettes Prep, I believe reading is the single most powerful foundation we can give a child. It is not simply about decoding words on a page. It is about developing attention, empathy and resilience. When a child immerses

Running Should Be a ‘Lifelong Companion’ in Education, Nurturing Teamwork and Resilience Belhaven Hill School in East Lothian has recently welcomed runners back for the 40 th annual Belhaven Cross-Country Championships. Sponsored by East Lothian investment managers McInroy & Wood, this is the biggest cross-country competition in the annual junior and prep schools’ calendar. The event is organised and hosted by Belhaven Hill School, the boarding and day school for 4 to

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

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School extends Nursery and Primary 1 with Term Time Plus—a Montessori-aligned eight-week extension offering continuity, warmth, and gentle French immersion.

Are you looking for ways to keep your child entertained during the school holidays? Conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, Loretto hosts a range of activity camps over the Easter and Summer holidays, from Acrobatics to Volunteering and Adventure Sport. Participating in activity camps has many benefits, including discovering new interests and talents, reducing screen time, and making new friends. Read on to discover five benefits of sending

HMC announces Lisa Kerr as the next Chair of the HMC Board for the 2027/28 academic year, succeeding Dr Anne Cotton, bringing extensive governance and leadership experience from leading independent schools.

George Heriot’s School’s 2025-2030 Digital Capability strategy develops confident, responsible digital learners with AI awareness and equitable access for all pupils.

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

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.

Compass School in East Lothian welcomed the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, Jenny Gilruth, on Thursday 5 Feb to one of its Growing Friendships intergenerational sessions in partnership with Our Community Kitchen (OCK). The visit highlighted the schools’ and organisations’ joint Excellence Award for Confronting Age Discrimination and Stereotypes. During the session, the Cabinet Secretary engaged fully with participants as they explored how life

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

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

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!

George Watson’s College appoints Emma Lacroix as Director of Development to lead fundraising and engagement across the Watsonian community, drawing on 15+ years in education and philanthropy

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.