Independent School Heads & Taster Events Edinburgh & Lothians 2026
Find the Right Independent School for Your Child
Independent schools across Edinburgh and the Lothians are opening their doors with taster mornings and afternoons, giving prospective pupils and parents the chance to experience school life firsthand. This comprehensive guide covers taster events for 2026, complete with links to our in-depth podcast series featuring interviews with school heads.
What Are School Taster Events?
Taster days tend to be a morning or afternoon that offer an invaluable opportunity for children to spend time in the classroom, meet staff and current pupils, and get a genuine feel for the school's culture and environment before making an important decision about their education.
Find Your Ideal Independent School
Whether you're searching in South Edinburgh, West Edinburgh, North Edinburgh, East Lothian, or beyond, our guide connects you with leading independent schools and their taster day schedules for 2026.
Explore School Profiles & Podcast Interviews
Each school profile links directly to our podcast episode, featuring candid conversations with headteachers about their vision, values, facilities, and what makes their school unique. Hear directly from school leaders about curriculum innovation, pastoral care, boarding options, and more.
SOUTH EDINBURGH
60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh EH10 5BR
Open Tours run on the first Fridays of the month, from 9am to 11 am
Podcast Episode - 25th Nov 2026
Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EQ
Thursday 29 October 2026: Heriot’s Junior School in Action: 9am –11am
Friday 6 November 2026: Heriot’s Senior School in Action: 1:45 - 3pm
Podcast Episode with Head Gareth Warren - online here or:
69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG
Friday 6 November 2026, Junior School Taster Afternoon P4-P7 1.50 pm
Friday 20 November 2026, Senior School Taster Afternoon 1.50 pm
Friday 4 December 2026, Stay and Play morning for Preschool to P3
Experience Middle School Event on the 13th November
294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0PU
Saturday 31st October 2026, Open Morning Senior School & Nursery and Forest Junior School
Tuesday 24th November 2026, Scholarship Day
Podcast Episode with Head Huw Jones - online here or:
18N Liberton Brae, Edinburgh EH16 6AE
Book a tour or taster day here
Podcast Episode with Head Emma Rattigan - online here or:
WEST EDINBURGH
45 Gamekeeper’s Road, Edinburgh EH4 6HU
Book a Tour or Play & Explore Morning: here.
Podcast Episode with Head Colin MacIntosh - online here or:
Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8LQ
Book a tour or Play & Stay Morning: here
Podcast Episode with Head Jill Drummond - online here or:
Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH4 3EZ
Book a tour - here
Podcast Episode with Head Anthony Simpson - online here or:
Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6BG
Experience Middle School Event on the 13th November
Or book a tour here
Podcast Episode with Head Carol Chandler-Thompson - online here or:
25 Grosvenor Crescent EH12 5EL
Friday 23rd October
Be a Chorister Afternoon gives primary pupils in P3–P5 who enjoy singing the opportunity to find out.
Sunday 25th October
Instrument Taster Day for instrumentalists in P4–S2.
Podcast Episode with Dr Ken Taylor - 28th October
Ormidale Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6EQ
Book a tour or taster morning here
Podcast Episode with Head Trish Thornton - online here or:
NORTH EDINBURGH
Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX
Saturday 7th February 2027 - register here or book a personal tour.
Podcast Episode with Prep School Head Charlie Minogue - online here or:
10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh EH3 5PL (Junior Sch) & 42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5BL (Senior Sch)
Primary 3–6 Taster Afternoon on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM call 0131 552 3690
Podcast Episode with Head Barry Welsh - online here or:
EAST LOTHIAN
Belhaven Road, Dunbar EH42 1NN
Virtual Open Evening – Tues 24th Nov 2026, 7.15pm on Zoom
Open Morning – Sat 27th Feb 2027, 9.30–12.30
Podcast Episode with Head Neil Tomlin OBE - online here or:
Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7RE
Taster Events 2026
Junior School (Year Two – Year Seven entry): Friday 30th October
Senior School (Second Form – Third Form entry): Tuesday 27th and Friday 30th October
Admissions Team at admissions@loretto.com.
Podcast Episode with Head Pete Richardson - online here or:
West Road, Haddington EH41 3RD
Book a tour or taster morning here
Podcast Episode with Head Mark Becher - online here or:
