Method of Entry to Independent Schools and Next Assessment Dates
Several independent schools in Edinburgh will conduct "Assessment Days" in January 2025 for admission in August/September 2025.
Note: Nursery/Preschool applications don't require an assessment but with limited spaces available we encourage early registration
P1 applicants will be evaluated through play sessions and informal interviews, while other year groups and S1 candidates will take an entrance exam. Some schools may have already held assessments in November.
Even if you have missed the application date, some schools will still accommodate last-minute assessment requests for January or arrange individual assessments beyond the group dates, so it's worth contacting them directly. Many schools accept applications open all year if they have availability.
We have listed the Independent Schools by location:
SOUTH EDINBURGH
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School (1-18yrs)
18N Liberton Brae, Edinburgh EH16 6AE
0131 600 0123
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Simply fill in the application form to enquire about a place for your child and they will be in touch.
Edinburgh Steiner School (2-18yrs)
60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh EH10 5BR
0131 337 3410
Method of Entry
No assessment day, they advise prospective parents to attend an Open Tour of the school before application. You can enquire & book a tour. By filling in this form, you will receive a prospectus and the application form.
George Heriot’s School (3-18yrs)
Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EQ
0131 229 7263
Method of Entry
If you are applying outwith the usual application timings, ie after 15 November or 1 December in the preceding year of entry, please check availability of places before you apply by contacting the Admissions Office either via email or by calling 0131 221 6709.
Assessment dates are:
Primary 1 – Saturday 18 January 2025 (additional weekday dates may be available by agreement)
Primary 2 – By individual appointment during January 2025
Senior 1 – Wednesday 15 January 2025
Senior 2 to 5 – Wednesday 22 January 2025
George Watson’s College (3-18yrs)
69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG
0131 446 6000
Method of Entry
We are accepting applications for Preschool, Primary 1 and Senior School for Session 2025/26. Please complete the application here before Friday 6 December 2024. They have begun assessing children looking to join Primary 2 - Primary 7.
Assessment Dates
Primary 1 & Senior 1 are January 2025.
Please email admissions@gwc.org.uk if you would like to discuss an application.
The Forest at Merchiston (3-7yrs)
294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0PU
0131 312 2200
Method of Entry
For those interested in a Forest Juniors education for their child and wishing to apply for the assessment process, a form is provided: Register here.
Assessment Dates
Primary - Primary 4: Assessment dates: Friday 17th and Friday 24th January 2025
Merchiston Castle School (7-18yrs)
294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0PU
0131 312 2200
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Merchiston operates a rolling admissions process meaning that your son can sit entrance assessments throughout the year as long as he is registered with us and a place is available in his chosen year group. Most boys join us at the start of the academic year in September, but your son may be able to start at another time if possible.
You are welcome to register him at any time here, although most parents prefer to visit first.
WEST EDINBURGH
Cargilfield School (3-13yrs)
45 Gamekeeper’s Road, Edinburgh EH4 6HU
0131 336 2207
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Taster Day available upon Registration. Cargilfield welcomes you to register your interest on the online form or contact our Registrar, Fiona Craig, directly at 0131 336 2207 or registrar@cargilfield.com to arrange a visit which will include a private tour and a meeting with the Headmaster and his wife.
Clifton Hall School (3-18yrs)
Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8LQ
0131 336 2207
Method of Entry
No assessment day. All children and their parents have an enrolment visit prior to the offer of a place in order to ensure the school can meet the needs of individual children. Clifton Hall operates as first come first served basis. Enquiry here.
Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH4 3EZ
0131 311 1111
Method of Entry
ESMS Nursery and Junior School, Stewart’s Melville College and The Mary Erskine School are merging to create one fully co-ed school for 3-18 year olds from the 2026/27 academic year.
In order to secure your place at one of the Assessment Days, you need to complete our online application form. Our Admissions Team will then be in touch to invite you and your child along to the relevant Assessment Day.
Assessment Dates
10 - 17 January 2025. Primary 1
9 January 2025. S1
St George’s School (3-18yrs)
Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6BG
Method of Entry
We aim to make the admissions process for new pupil enrolment as welcoming, relaxed, and informative as possible.Our admissions team is the main point of contact throughout the admissions process, and they will answer any questions you have about the admissions process or the school in general.
Assessment Dates
Primary 1: Assessment play morning on January 12, 2024
S1 Assessment Morning and Taster Day: January 19 and 23, 2024
St Mary’s Music School (3-18 yrs)
Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5EL
0131 538 7766
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Entry to St Mary’s Music School is based on musical ability or potential ability and pupils are selected after an audition process. To make an enquiry about admissions to St Mary's Music School please complete the application form
The Montessori School (4-12yrs)
Ormidale Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 6EQ
0131 346 8921
Method of Entry
No assessment day.The best way to see if the Montessori Nursery and /or Primary School is for your family to visit us and see them in action! To do this, you can contact Trish, the Nursery Director, using the book a visit page, by phone 0131 346 8921 or e-mail, to arrange a personalised tour to experience a typical morning with us or attend one of our open visits.
NORTH EDINBURGH
Fettes Prep & Pre-Prep School (4-13yrs)
East Fettes Avenue EH4 1DL
0131 332 2976
Method of Entry
For families looking to enter Fettes Prep in September 2025 - the application date has passed, although applications can be received at any time during the year, subject to availability
Assessment Dates
b -Prep School assessment and interview day (Year 3 – Year 8) held at Fettes College
Fettes College (14-18yrs)
Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX
0131 332 2281
Method of Entry
For families looking to enter Fettes College in September 2025 - application and assessment dates have passed, although applications can be received at any time during the year, subject to availability. Enquires here
10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh EH3 5PL
0131 552 3690
42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5BL
0131 556 4603
Method of Entry
We understand that family circumstances do sometimes mean that plans may change and that choice of first school is an important one. The Headteacher is willing to accept late applications and assessments can be arranged as and when required subject to availability. See how to apply here.
Assessment Dates
P1: Monday 6 January 2025
P7 & Senior School: Saturday 7 December 2024
Sixth form: Friday 17 January 2025 (Applications may be considered after assessment deadline)
EAST LOTHIAN
Belhaven Hill School (5-13yrs)
Belhaven Road, Dunbar EH42 1NN
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Pre-Prep admission is P1–P3 (Year 1–Year 3) and Prep admission is P4–S1 (Year 4–Year 8) for boarders and day pupils. Children may join Belhaven at any stage in the Pre-Prep or Prep School as long as there are places available. Early registration is therefore highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Apply here.
Loretto School (3-18yrs)
Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7RE
Method of Entry
No assessment day. There is not one set way to join Loretto and our highly experienced admissions team are here to provide a personal approach for every family’s journey. Find out more here.
Regius School (4-13yrs)
69A Whitehill St, Newcraighall, Musselburgh EH21 8QZ
Method of Entry
No assessment day. No academic requirements are needed for admission to Regius School, only the parents' acceptance of our vision, objectives and curriculum procedures. Apply here
The Compass School (4-12yrs)
West Road, Haddington EH41 3RD
Method of Entry
No assessment day. A child may begin at The Compass School at any point from age 4-12, so long as there is a place available at the child’s particular stage and have enjoyed a successful familiarisation/assessment day with them. Find out more here.
FIFE & DOLLAR & STIRLING
Dollar Academy (3-18yrs)
Dollar, FK14 7DU
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Once we receive your form, we’ll then make arrangements for your child to take an entrance assessment. These usually take place in January, but can be arranged at a different time of the year if necessary. Find out more.
Fairview International School (5-18yrs)
Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4RY
Method of Entry
No assessment day. Contact our team via email admissions@fairviewinternational.uk , call us on +44 1786 231952, or booking a personalised campus visit via the booking form
St Leonards School ((5-18yrs)
St Andrews, Fife KY16 9QJ
Method of Entry
No assessment day.
The Admissions Team is available all year round to answer any questions you may have. You can get in touch by phone or email using the contact details below:
+44 (0)1334 472126