Erskine Stewart Melville Launches, Uniting Two Historic Schools into One Co-Educational Community

by ESM

More than 2,200 students walk through the doors on Monday 24 August 2026 as Erskine Stewart Melville embarks on a landmark new chapter in its history, marking the start of a new academic year and a transformative period for one of Scotland's leading independent schools.

The launch marks the culmination of a transformational journey that unites The Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College and ESMS Junior School under one shared identity, creating expanded opportunities for children and young people aged 3-18 while building on more than 330 years of educational excellence.

It comes at a time of significant change across the independent education sector. While many schools are facing financial pressures, Erskine Stewart Melville has made a significant investment in new facilities, expanding opportunities for students and creating a school designed to thrive for generations to come. 

At the Senior School, students will benefit from the new Wellbeing Hub, enhanced music facilities including a keyboard lab and recording studio, a new gym and fitness suite, an extended library space, a new S6 hub, and a Science, Innovation and Technology Centre. Junior School children will now also have access to specialist facilities, including dedicated design and technology spaces, drama studios and art rooms, and plans for a new playground are underway.

Reflecting this new chapter, students will also wear a new School uniform, designed to unite the community under a single identity while drawing on elements of the School's rich history.

The move to co-education has already sparked significant interest in the School. Anthony Simpson, Principal of Erskine Stewart Melville, said: 

"At a time when the independent sector faces considerable challenges, this is a story of strength, stability and confidence in the future. By bringing together two of Scotland's most successful and respected schools, we are securing our future by significantly investing in the education, wellbeing and opportunities available to every child and young person in our care.

“We know there is a great deal of anticipation about what Erskine Stewart Melville will look and feel like in practice. Throughout the summer months families have been contacting us, eager to see the new School and learn more about the opportunities available to their children.

"This is not about leaving our past behind. It is about taking the very best of The Mary Erskine School and Stewart's Melville College and bringing those strengths together to create an even stronger educational experience.

"Building on those generations of excellence, alongside a now unrivalled Junior School single site campus and enhanced opportunities at our Senior School, we believe Erskine Stewart Melville offers something truly distinctive in Scottish education."

At the Junior School, the move brings together all children on the Ravelston campus, creating a unique educational environment in the heart of Edinburgh with access to extensive outdoor space and specialist facilities.

Mike Kane, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School, said:

"The creation of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School on a single campus gives us a truly unique educational offering in the heart of Edinburgh.

"Our children benefit from more than 40 acres of grounds and outdoor learning space, creating extraordinary opportunities for exploration, creativity and play.

"Just as importantly, we can now design an ambitious curriculum that makes full use of the outstanding facilities available across the wider School. From state-of-the-art product design and technology spaces to drama studios, sports facilities and one of the most inspiring school libraries anywhere in Scotland, our children have access to experiences that enrich learning every day.

"I know our children will be eager to explore everything that is available to them. These opportunities help us nurture curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of learning from the earliest years."

The opening of the Senior School on the Queensferry Road campus brings together students who are already familiar with learning alongside one another through the School's long-established co-educational S6 and extensive programme of shared activities.

Frances McCrudden, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School, said:

"I cannot wait to welcome our students to Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School.

"For many of our students, learning side by side is already a familiar experience. Through our co-educational S6 and the many twinned activities that have taken place across both schools for years, strong friendships and connections already exist. This transition allows us to build on those foundations while creating a truly united Senior School community.

"The opportunities available to our students have never been greater. Bringing our Senior Schools together has enabled us to broaden subject choice, including the introduction of National 5 Music Technology and National 5 Modern Studies, expand our extensive range of clubs and activities and create an even more rounded educational experience.

"At the same time, we have continued to invest in the environment in which our students learn and thrive. The new Melville Wellbeing Hub at Dean Park House provides dedicated support for wellbeing, while our new gym and Science, Innovation and Technology Centre create exciting opportunities for learning, innovation and personal development.

"Everything we are doing is focused on ensuring our students leave us with the knowledge, skills, resilience and confidence they need for the future."

Prospective families interested in seeing the new School are warmly welcomed to attend Open Day on Saturday, 19 September.

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