Nursery & School Guide Latest News
in Edinburgh & the Lothians’ 

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.

Edzell Nursery, Edinburgh: a 60-year Montessori-inspired, child-centered early years setting with outdoor learning, funded places, and a warm, nurturing community.

Foster a love of reading by following your child’s curiosity—turn interests like dinosaurs, space, or animals into stories, and use audiobooks to boost vocabulary and imagination.

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

We spoke with Janet Robinson from 2stepsaheadtutoring.co.uk about how pupils can prepare for the upcoming academic year to navigate the exam years with ease, and support children sitting entrance exams at the end of this year. "Exams are finished and holidays are in sight, but the real work for students has only just begun. As pupils move into Higher and Advanced Higher courses—and younger students start Nat 5s or enter a second year of Nat 5—the June timetable shift and the

A FREE Brazil mini-session for Early Years combines football and samba in safe indoor activities for parents, nurseries and schools; optional full World Cup pack available.

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

The Anchor Practice - Professional counselling, therapy, and mental health support for children and teenagers. Find stability and healing with compassionate practitioners

5th - 7th June 2026 Tullibole Castle, Perthshire WILDHOOD is Scotland’s multi-award-winning children’s festival — a magical weekend-long outdoor adventure created especially for families with children aged 12 and under. Set within the beautiful grounds of Tullibole Castle near Kinross, WILDHOOD combines music, theatre, storytelling, circus, arts & crafts, nature play and immersive hands-on experiences in a relaxed and welcoming family environment. Designed to encourage creati

Barnton’s Cloudberry Gifts, a gift shop with a cosy cafe, has become a community favourite, says founder Julie. Visitors can enjoy a fresh breakfast and lunch menu alongside delicious homemade cakes, traybake and scones. The carefully curated gift selection showcases Scottish designers, including Just Slate Company, Hairy Coo, and Skye Candle Company, alongside firm family favourites such as Jellycat and Blade & Rose, as well as an abundance of other gift & card companies. Wh

Studio 48 in Edinburgh is a vibrant creative hub offering art classes for children and adults alike. Led by experienced artists, the studio provides a welcoming environment where participants can explore their artistic potential across a range of disciplines. What They Offer Studio 48 specialises in: 🎨 Painting – from watercolours to acrylics 🗿 Sculpture – working with various materials 🖼️ Mixed Media – combining different artistic techniques 🖥️ Digital Art – exploring mo

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.

These “ready for school” activities can be done in your everyday routine When it’s time for a child to go to school, there are lots of practical things to think about, like uniform, the school run and after-school care. You can also help your child build important skills for school readiness, helping them adjust to the new environment more easily. Children learn best when they are interested and motivated. Stop the activity when your child loses interest. You want your child

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.

8 evidence-based strategies for parents to foster learning at home without pressure, stress, or comparison.

Facing separation or divorce? Gibson Kerr's Edinburgh family law solicitors offer compassionate guidance on child arrangements, finances, and avoiding court.