Independent Schools 
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.

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.

This January, George Heriot’s School launches its Strategic Ambition 2025-2030 to advance the School’s sector-leading status (awarded by Education Scotland), integrating its highly successful educational offer with leading edge academic and social research. Heriot’s strategic ambition 2025-2030 is structured across four pillars: Education, Sustainability, a Force for Good and Business; these will guide the School’s development and position at the forefront of Scottish educati

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.

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.

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

St George's Little Dragons Nursery offers a childcentered, play-based preschool experience in Edinburgh. The nursery provides flexible hours, specialist teaching, and focuses on each child's individual progress, preparing them for school in a supportive environment. The nursery also emphasises strong parent partnerships. Registration is now open for the P1 Play Assessment on January 9, 2026.

Explore seven scholarship opportunities at Fettes College for 2026. Discover funding and academic excellence. Apply now for a transformative education.

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

In November, the school shared a first look at the new Erskine Stewart Melville Uniform with families. These designs are the result of months of collaboration across their entire community, incorporating ideas and feedback from current and former students, parents, staff, and friends of the Schools. The result is a modern uniform that honours the shared heritage while reflecting the values of the School today. The new uniform will be phased in from August 2026, coinciding wit

How well do you know your Edinburgh independent schools? Here's a quick quiz for the festive season, with one question about 14 independent schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We start with some "give me" questions.... Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister, is perhaps one of the most famous alumnus of which school located in Edinburgh? Which all-boys school is the only one of its kind in Edinburgh and Scotland? Which school moved in 1898 from Trinity in Edinburgh t

Clifton Hall School is thrilled to announce that one of its pupils, Alex, has been named the overall winner of a Christmas card design competition hosted by Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West. The competition was open to pupils throughout Scotland, and Alex's exceptional design earned her the top prize. Alex's winning artwork will be featured as Christine Jardine's official Christmas card, which will be distributed to local businesses, charities, MPs, a

Considering Merchiston Castle School's Junior years (The Forest)? Assessments for P1 (5yrs) to P5 (9yrs) entry in August 2026 take place in January 2026. Apply online and attend assessments on January 23rd or 24th.

Neil Tomlin OBE is appointed as the new Headmaster of Belhaven Hill School, starting August 2026. Learn about Neil's background, including his previous headship at Hall Grove, military career, and plans for Belhaven.

Clifton Hall School earns Gold in the Woodland Trust's Green Tree Schools Award! Celebrating student involvement in tree planting, woodland exploration, sustainability projects, and nature-inspired creativity. Proud of our pupils' commitment to outdoor learning across all year groups.

Find information on primary and secondary schools in and around Edinburgh. Details include Headteachers, Principals, Rectors, and Heads of School, appointment dates, educational backgrounds, and previous experience.

Children, staff and parents at The Compass School have recently raised over £1500 in aid of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by holding a ‘Heroes’ Day in school. Inspired by the school’s Pupil Council, children were encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite hero and to list five key facts about them. These ‘heroes included sportsmen & women, explorers and adventures, emergency workers and members of the armed forces, story writers and members of their o