Help…Which private school in Edinburgh?

[Ihjj]

We are from south of England and moving to Edinburgh at the end of summer. Does anyone know which private school is best in Edinburgh? Which to avoid? Our son is 7. Thank you

Did you mean to post in AIBU? There doesn't seem to be a question.

What are you looking for in a school? Might help to narrow it down.

There aren’t that many, and it depends what you’re looking for and where you’re going to be living. I’m pretty sure there aren’t any that cover just the primary years, most go right through.

If you’re after co-ed Heriots and George Watsons have a consistently good reputation. Both are central. Fettes is a bit further out and boys only. Depending on where you’re living you might find the state primary provision is fine though - in Scotland you go to your local primary, so if you’re in a ‘nice’ area you’ll probably find the local primary is a ‘nice’ school. Traffic in Edinburgh is a nightmare at peak times so consider the commute.

@maggiecate thank you! I did think fettes was co Ed? I thought that was the best one but then I’ve also heard mixed things!

Ugh, I deleted a bit of my post - Fettes is Coed, Merchiston is boys only. Fettes is regarded as “the Eton of the north” - whether you think that’s a good thing probably depends on your view of Etonians! It would only be on my list if you were at that end of Edinburgh, it’s a ball-ache to get to/from in peak times, and even then I’d probably look at one of the others unless you’re “three ponies, household staff and a Land Rover” wealthy. There is a Waitrose next door though!

I know quite a few people who went to Heriots, they all seemed to enjoy it - I’m to the east of Edinburgh and it’s the most doable by public transport, you see a lot of their pupils on the train - they all seem chipper.

Don’t count out the state sector, depending on where you’re living the local primary might be excellent - there’s info on them here: https://datamap-scotland.co.uk/primary-school-league-tables-by-local-authority/edinburgh-city-primary-schools-ranks/

TBH none of them have a terrible reputation - Edinburgh is small enough that you could make any of the schools work, so none of them have a captive market. It’ll be what works best for you lifestyle wise.

I think you should look at the Scot page - lots of similar chats over the last year or so. might be best to narrow down where you want to live too as some will just be a ridiculous commute.

It depends what you’re looking for in a school. Will you be able to visit them before deciding?

I suppose it also depends where in Edinburgh you are moving to? ESMS is becoming co-ed in August 2026. If you’re looking for a single sex school I believe St George’s girls is the only option now.
apart from that they are all pretty similar! So I’d base it on the area you will be living/any particular interests your children have

Merchiston is a boys’ school. St George’s not relevant as OP has a son.

I’ve had much experience of the Edinburgh private schools, albeit with daughters.
All things considered, I’d go for ESMS.

If your ds is 7 then you really should look at Cargilfield. They start the upper school around that age or 8 and it's a truly wonderful place. It's a prep school which teaches to 13 and will prepare your ds for whatever school seems best once he's a bit older. The classes are small, the teachers specialist and the facilities are good. Small enough to feel like a family but connected enough to keep you on the right track.