Education 
in Edinburgh & the Lothians

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

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.

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

Join World Afro Day Growing Together: kids and communities grow tea plants, watch Seed to Sip films, and celebrate with tea activities in September.

Parents are urged to seek early support for their children’s emotional well‑being as evidence grows that many mental health difficulties begin in primary school. Anchor Practice has launched Holding Parents in Mind, an online workshop for parents of primary‑age children to understand behaviour, emotional regulation and anxiety. Guided by Fanny Lena and Renata Bakker, the five‑session group uses psychodynamic, reflective parenting to build attunement and reduce isolation.

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

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

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

Language learning is most effective when children feel safe, engaged, and unpressured. Get Talking Spanish brings expert-led, play-based sessions to Edinburgh nurseries, schools, and parent‑and‑child groups, focusing on understanding first, then speaking. By balancing careful vocabulary introduction with meaningful repetition in a relaxed, fun environment, children build confidence, enjoy learning, and lay lasting foundations in

Scottish child psychotherapist Paul Bell backs the UK consultation, urging targeted action to address social media’s risks to young people’s mental health.

Home education: why are so many parents choosing it over mainstream school? We explore the rise of home education in the UK, the lack of a national register, routes (full-time, flexi-schooling, motivations, and policy implications (including Edinburgh’s consent process).

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

Don't worry, you can turn it around with 2Stepsahead Tutoring in Scotland Based near Edinburgh and serving families across Edinburgh and the Lothians they specialise in SQA subjects at all levels, with flexible options to suit busy lives. Tutors offer both face-to-face tutoring and online sessions, plus targeted help for primary subjects and independent school entry. What they offer • SQA tutoring across Foundation/National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher • Primary subjects an

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.

An Edinburgh teacher shares her perspective on smartphones in schools, why a meaningful citywide policy is needed, and how you can help shape what’s next. By Emily Borrill In September 2025, Edinburgh Council announced it was looking into ways to implement a meaningful, citywide ban on smartphones in schools. The Council is now asking parents, teachers, and pupils to share their views (consultation can be found here ) and help shape a policy that is both effective and enfo

Athena Language Camps offer week-long language adventures for teens (13–17) in Spain or France, blending lessons with culture, outdoor activities, and real-world immersion.

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.

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!

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

Navigating the decision of whether to defer your child's school start? This guide, written by a former teacher, offers essential advice on seeking professional insights and considering your child's individual needs and social dynamics. Learn how to make an informed choice that prioritises your child's long-term success and well-being.

In Scotland, the school entry cutoff date of February 28th means a child can start Primary 1 as young as four and a half years old. Recent changes in local council policy allow children who are not yet five by August to defer entry for a year and remain in funded nursery education. Furthermore, children who turn five before August can apply to delay their school start. This means a primary class could now encompass a significant age range, with some children starting as

Rod Grant & Cameron Wyllie, known for their bold views on Scottish education, team up in the "Two Heads Are Better Than One" podcast. Get ready for passionate discussions on the real issues facing schools today!

Primary 1 Registration in Edinburgh: Find key dates, required documents, and how to register your child for primary school. Includes information on catchment areas, out-of-catchment requests, and important deadlines. From November 1st, register online at edinburgh.gov.uk/p1registration.

Author: Lydia’s Tuition Helping Your Child Prepare For Private School Entrance Exams When choosing an educational setting for your child, you may be considering private schooling. Here in Edinburgh private schools are known as Independent Schools. Many schools in Edinburgh require students to sit an entrance exam to determine whether they will be offered a place. It’s a daunting prospect for children and parents alike but entrance exams needn’t be nerve-wracking. It’s simp

Discover what to expect for assessment into independent Primary (ages 4-5) and secondary schools (ages 11-12) in Edinburgh.

Local authorities in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, are now permitting deferrals for all children entering Primary 1 this August. This long

Author: LS Tuition With parents’ evenings taking place in primary schools across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland around now, here are our private tutor’s top tips on negotiating those all-important pupil progress meetings with teachers. Parents’ evening is one of the most valuable events in the school year, giving parent carers the chance to connect with their child’s teacher, understand their progress, and learn how they’re managing in school day to day. But parents’ even

Looking for a fun and educational program for your nursery or school? Dragon Song School combines creative play and storytelling to foster a love of reading and learning.

Help your child thrive at school! Discover how audiobooks build literacy, provide emotional support, and ease the transition into a new school environment. Learn how audiobooks can make all the difference.

Find the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 school term and holiday dates for Edinburgh local authority schools. Includes term dates, mid-term breaks, Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Please note that some schools may have different dates, so always check the school's website for confirmation.

Give your child the gift of confidence this school year with LS Tuition! We offer tailored, holistic tutoring in Edinburgh that fosters a love of learning. From primary to secondary, we support diverse needs, including dyslexia and school avoidance. Book a free enquiry call today and discover how we can help your child thrive!

Author: Tania The Creative Puppetry for French Toolkit The Creative Puppetry for French toolkit is an inclusive, play-based resource...

A common question arises: what does a 'D' grade actually signify in the context of Scottish National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher...

Introducing: LS Summer School Our experience in Tutoring and working with families across the country has supported us in understanding...

Newtongrange Primary School Gold Award Pupils at one Midlothian school have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful...

Make the most of summer holidays with these top tips for keeping kids engaged in reading! Learn how to establish a reading routine, find the perfect books (including second-hand gems in Edinburgh!), and motivate even the most reluctant readers. Ensure your child's intellectual growth continues throughout the summer break.

The Creative Puppetry for French toolkit is an inclusive and play-based resource designed by Tania, teaching artist and director of Le...

Give your child a head start! Leckie's fun workbooks (P1-P7) reinforce school learning. Get 30% off now! [Link]

Rainy day boredom buster! Fun, educational activities to boost your preschooler's reading, writing, arithmetic, and responsibility skills – all while having a blast. Learn how to turn playtime into learning with these engaging ideas.

Discover the underrated world of children's magazines! Packed with entertainment, information, and subtle learning, they boost reading skills and ignite a love of knowledge through engaging visuals, interactive text, and fun games. Perfect for reluctant readers and curious minds alike.

Is your child thriving or just surviving in school? LS Tuition in Edinburgh offers holistic education, focusing on the whole child – academic, social-emotional, and cognitive development. We go beyond exam prep to build confidence, nurture a love of learning, and equip children with life skills. Discover personalised tutoring that helps your child succeed, not just in exams, but in life.

These “ready for school” activities can be done in your everyday routine Here are some of the activities you can do together at home in...

We asked Kim Vaughan, cellist, teacher & mother for her expert advice. Kim is a founding member of the multi award-winning Benyounes...

Help your child develop a lifelong love of reading! Tried and tested tips from Edinburgh's LS Tuition show you how to nurture your child's literacy skills through play, conversation, and a child-led approach. Boost their confidence and comprehension – learn more!

Master times tables with our comprehensive guide! Learn the "why" behind multiplication, not just the "what," through three key phases: grouping, number lines/squares, and repeated addition/memorization. This proven methodology helps children build a strong foundation in math, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for parents and educators!

Unlock your child's language potential! Newborns have incredible auditory abilities, but they fade quickly. Early exposure to a second language is crucial for bilingual fluency. Learn why starting early is key for your child's linguistic development.

Q & A with Lydia Scaltsas - Primary Tutor & Former Teacher Q: I’m worried that my P1/2/3 child makes up spellings. Is this a problem?...

Discover the Five Finger Rule – a simple method to help your child select appropriately levelled reading books! Ensure your child's reading

Discover the structure of the Scottish school year, including age groups, curriculum details, and the exams students take, compared to Engli

By LS Tuition As we mark World Autism Acceptance Month in April, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the importance of inclusive,...