Belhaven Hill School Unveils Film Celebrating 'A Lifelong Companion'

The new film captures the enduring friendships and love of learning that define Scotland's leading prep boarding school

Belhaven Hill School today releases A Lifelong Companion, a compelling new film that explores what makes a Belhaven education last far beyond a child's years at school. Featuring a voiceover by former Belhaven parent and professional actor Andrew Watson, the film invites current, former and prospective families to consider the true value of a Belhaven education: not simply academic excellence delivered within four walls, but a foundation of friendship, adventure, and belonging that shapes children throughout their lives.

The film premieres today at a special screening for current Belhaven families, alongside a visit from incoming Headmaster Neil Tomlin and his wife Eugenie. The move follows Neil’s successful headship at Hall Grove in Surrey, a large family-owned, co-educational prep school. Neil comes with strong Scottish connections: his mother was a Scot and, while a schoolboy, he was in the Scotland U18 rugby squad and played representative rugby as a student.

The Magic of Belhaven Drives Academic Success

At the heart of the film lies a simple but powerful philosophy: that school days should be filled with adventure, sunshine, and friendship, and that Belhaven – for boarders and day pupils alike – offers precisely this kind of unburdened childhood, spent with friends. This is something increasingly rare.

At Belhaven, 'the magic' lies in a sense of freedom and a celebration of individuality – an unburdened childhood, spent with friends. Belhaven is a school where children are surrounded by companions who are always there for them, in challenge and success.

The fullness of life at Belhaven teaches teamwork and empathy, openness and resilience. These very human traits empower children to achieve their very best, knowing that they will be supported by family, friends and teachers, mentors all, throughout life’s ups and downs, turning talents into passions.

The film illustrates how Belhaven's unique environment – a family home with classrooms, complete with four-legged, canine companions – cultivates the teamwork, empathy, openness and resilience that enable children to thrive long after they leave. These are relationships and experiences that don't fade with time but grow richer over the years. This supportive environment gives children the confidence to be themselves and garner a love of lifelong learning.

It also provides the foundation for academic excellence which means that Belhaven’s children progress to many of the UK's finest senior schools, from Fettes and Gordonstoun to Oundle, Rugby and Eton. The pupils have an exceptional scholarship record with more than 60% of leavers winning awards in academics, sport, music, art, drama, and all-round achievement.

Belhaven’s Headmaster Olly Langton reflects on the project: "It has been quite an adventure just creating this film with Affixxius, let alone living the life of a Belhaven education for the past six years. Both have been an absolute privilege, and it is very exciting to release A Lifelong Companion today, knowing that it will resonate with Belhavians past, present and future, and many parents with young children."

The film's voiceover is provided by Andrew Watson, a former Belhaven parent whose children Polly and Tom were pupils between 2015 and 2023. Watson's personal connection to Belhaven demonstrates the very theme the film explores: that the bonds formed at Belhaven endure long after children move on to their senior schools.

Continuity, Success and Vision

Today's premiere also marks an important moment of continuity for Belhaven. Neil Tomlin, who becomes Headmaster in September 2026, travelled to Scotland specifically to attend the screening and meet current families.

"Eugenie and I are sincerely honoured to have been selected by the Board to lead such a remarkable school," Tomlin says. "We will enjoy protecting Belhaven's heritage whilst ensuring the children are fit to face the fast-moving world around them and fully prepared for life’s challenges."

The film arrives at a time of significant achievement for Belhaven Hill. The school recently received a Care Inspectorate Grade 6 (Excellent) rating, with inspectors describing its performance as "innovative and sector-leading”.

In October 2025, the school opened its Makerspace, a beautiful wooden-clad design centre for creative thinking that embodies Belhaven's commitment to innovation within tradition.

With a current roll of 160 pupils – a record high – and further growth anticipated to over 170 by the summer term, Belhaven maintains its position as Scotland's only full prep boarding school which has about 60% of Scotland's prep full boarding market.

An Education with Soul

Yet beneath these achievements lies something more fundamental: the profound importance of being truly known. At Belhaven, children are genuinely seen and understood – a security that stays with them for life. Whether 9 or 90, Belhavians celebrate their chances to reminisce over something increasingly rare: an education with soul.

A child's Belhaven days might pass in the blink of an eye, but as the film beautifully illustrates, their impact lasts a lifetime. Unlike a pawprint in the sand, this imprint is protected by a child's love for their friends and appreciation of their mentors. It is this enduring connection – this lifelong companion – that distinguishes a Belhaven education.

'A Lifelong Companion' is now available to view on their website.

Prospective families are invited to attend Belhaven Hill's Open Morning on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

You can learn more and book a place here, or by contacting

Olivia Reynolds, Registrar, at admissions@belhavenhill.com.