Nursery & School Guide Latest News
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.