Top Independent Schools in Edinburgh & The Lothians
- Nikki Miller
- May 26
- 4 min read
Here's a quick A–Z listing of the top independent schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians. For this year, fees including VAT pupil numbers, headteacher, examinations taken and much more see: 2026/27 Nursery and School Guide Magazine.
Belhaven Hill School
Dunbar, EH42 1NN
01368 862785
What
Co-educational preparatory school, with day and boarding pupils
Who
5-13 years
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Cargilfield
Barnton, EH4 6HU
0131 336 2207
What
Co-educational nursery and preparatory day and boarding school.
Who
3-13 years
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Clifton Hall School
Newbridge
0131 333 1359
What
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior day school
Who
3-18 years
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The Compass School
Haddington
01620 822642
What
Co-educational junior day school with a pre-school year nursery.
Who
4-12 years
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5 . The Edinburgh Academy
Inverleith & Stockbridge
0131 624 4987
What
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior day school.
Who
2-18 years
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Edinburgh Montessori Arts School
Liberton
0131 600 0123
What
Co-educational nursery, junior school and senior day school
Who
1-18 years
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Edinburgh Steiner School
Morningside 0131 337 3410
What
Co-educational kindergarten, junior and senior day school
Who
2-18 years
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Erskine Stewart Melville
Ravelston 0131 311 1111
What
Co-educational nursery, junior school and senior day school *
Who
3-18 years
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Fettes College & Prep School
Inverleith 0131 332 2281
What
Co-educational pre-preparatory, pre-preparatory and senior boarding school with day pupils
Who
4-18 years
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George Heriot’s School
0131 229 7263
What
Co-educational nursery, junior school and senior day school
Who
4-18 years
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11. George Watson’s College
0131 446 6000
What
Co-educational nursery, junior school and senior day school
Who
3-18 years
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Loretto School
0131 653 4455
What
Co-educational nursery, junior and senior boarding school with day pupils
Who
3-18 years
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The Forest at Merchiston and Merchiston Castle School
0131 312 2200
What
Co-educational nursery, junior and all boys senior boarding school with day pupils
Who
3-18 years
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0131 311 8000
What
Co-educational nursery, all girls junior and senior school with boarding
Who
3-18 years
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The data above may be subject to change; please verify directly with the school.
