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


Erskine Stewart Melville New Uniform
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
Dec 18, 20251 min read


The Edinburgh Independent Schools Christmas Quiz
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
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Clifton Hall Shines: Alex Wins Christmas Card Competition!
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
Dec 16, 20251 min read


We asked nursery teachers and these are the most popular Christmas gifts received
Looking for gift ideas for nursery teachers? This guide offers thoughtful and practical gift suggestions, including handmade cards, crafts, writing supplies, personal care items, treats, and mini hampers. Find the perfect gift to show your appreciation!
Dec 15, 20251 min read


The Forest Assessment Day P1-P5
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.
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Leading Prep School Appoints Experienced Head
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.
Dec 15, 20253 min read


A School Woodland Trail set in 47 Acres of Private Woodland
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.
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Who Are The Heads of Edinburgh and Lothians Top Independent Schools?
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.
Dec 10, 20256 min read


Compass ‘Heroes’ Raise Over £1500 For Edinburgh Children’s Hospital
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
Dec 2, 20252 min read


Edinburgh School Embraces Multiple Languages
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School (EMAS) fosters linguistic diversity, celebrating over 21 languages alongside English. They nurture children's first languages, promoting emotional expression and identity through multilingual activities. From Nursery to High School, EMAS offers French immersion, Spanish, and other language choices, enhancing cognitive skills, cultural empathy, and global connection. Learn more about their approach!
Dec 2, 20251 min read


Dollar Academy Triathlon Programme
Dollar Academy is uniquely placed to offer a high-quality Triathlon Programme, with the surrounding landscape providing an ideal setting for swimming, cycling and running. The programme is led by Sean McFarlane, one of Scotland’s leading long-distance triathletes and adventure racers. With 23 Ironman races and multiple podium finishes, he brings extensive experience as both an elite athlete and a coach. To support talented pupils, scholarship funding is available for boarding
Nov 28, 20252 min read


St Leonards Head Issues Stark Warning Over VAT Policy
Simon Brian, Head, St Leonards School, St Andrews Calls for Repeal Following Front-Page Coverage in The Scotsman St Leonards School has issued a statement today following last week’s front-page coverage in The Scotsman, in which Head, Mr Simon Brian, speaks out against the UK Government’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees. Describing the policy as a “live experiment” being conducted on children’s education, Mr Brian has called on national leaders to urgently r
Nov 26, 20252 min read


New Christian Classical Primary School opens in Edinburgh
Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church School in Newington, Edinburgh, offers a classical education with a Christian ethos. With a focus on academics, arts, and outdoor activities, our micro school fosters well-rounded students in a nurturing environment. Full-time and flexi-schooling options available. Applications for Term 2 starting in January are now open!
Nov 26, 20251 min read


Open Tours at Steiner
Edinburgh Steiner School: Holistic education fostering emotional, spiritual, physical, and academic growth. Offers a creative, academically rigorous curriculum, delaying formal learning until age seven. Provides screen-free classrooms, stable teacher relationships, and specialist subjects. Admissions accepted year-round. Book your tour today!
Nov 26, 20252 min read


The Compass School: Celebrating Intergenerational Connections in Haddington
A Special Visit from the Minister for Equalities The Compass School was thrilled to welcome Kaukab Stewart, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Equalities. She visited one of our intergenerational sessions with our friends from Our Community Kitchen. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing work we’ve been doing! Both The Compass School and Our Community Kitchen recently received a national Excellence Award for Confronting Age Discrimination and Stere
Nov 23, 20253 min read


Celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh: A Guide for Families
Looking for a magical Christmas experience for your child in Edinburgh? Sing carols by candlelight, dress up, and celebrate the Christmas story at these welcoming events. Everyone is welcome at various locations throughout December, with no need to book for most
Nov 21, 20253 min read


Parent & Me Classes
New Parent and Me classes at Angela Watson School of Dance! Sing, dance, and socialise with coffee, juice, and chats. Classes for parents with toddlers and preschoolers Tuesdays at Craiglockhart Studios. Book your trial today!
Nov 18, 20251 min read


Merchiston School Christmas Fair
Join the festive fun at Merchiston Castle School's Christmas Fair on December 6th! Enjoy family-friendly activities, unique gifts, and delicious treats, all while supporting NHS Lothian Charity. Free entry!
Nov 15, 20251 min read


8-Year-Old Edinburgh Author Publishes Debut Children’s Book “Ruby and the new school” – A Story of Positivity and Belonging
An Edinburgh schoolgirl is turning her own experience of change into inspiration for others. Eight-year-old Isabel Hinova has just self-published her first children’s book, Ruby and the new school, on Amazon, after writing the story at the age of seven. The story, influenced by Isabel’s own move to a new school in Primary 2, follows Ruby as she navigates the worries and hopes that come with starting somewhere new. With warmth and optimism, Isabel’s tale reminds children that
Nov 15, 20251 min read


From Belhaven Run to ‘Running the Americas’ – Jamie Ramsay Opens School’s Wellbeing Weekend
The endurance athlete and Old Belhavian returned to his roots to lead a school run, share tales from his audacious 17,000km expedition, and open the school’s inaugural Wellbeing Weekend. Jamie Ramsay Belhaven Hill School recently welcomed the adventurer and former pupil Jamie Ramsay back to his old school to open the inaugural ‘Wellbeing Weekend’. Jamie talked to an audience of over 160 pupils and parents about his experience in ‘Running the Americas’ and his belief in the po
Nov 14, 20253 min read
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