Relocating to Edinburgh from London

[RCY77]

Hi,
We're a family of 5 relocating to Edinburgh from London. We don't know a single soul who lives there and don't know the city at all. I'm currently trying to sort schools for the children and need recommendations. We're looking for private schools. We're heading up in a couple of weeks and my DD is spending the day at St George's for Girls. All three are then having assessments at ESMS the following day. I've also been in touch with The Edinburgh Academy and George Heriots. So basically, which are the best co-ed schools, how easy is it to get in and should I hold out for my favourite or just take any place that is offered? I have heard that if 2 are offered a place, the third will be bumped to the top of the waiting list!
Secondly, I need to find a place to live. We'll be renting initially and it probably will depend on which schools the children are going to but any advice on nice family friendly neighbourhoods would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you x

To be honest there isn't that much to choose academically between the schools you mention. What age are your children? How easy it is to get in will depend on ages as certain years are entry points and availability changes. I don't think any of the schools will say that if 2 siblings get in then the third will go to the top of the waiting list. If there is a waiting list then they will give priority to the person who is most suited to the school or who has the most to offer. I know a teacher's child at one of the schools you mention who was refused a place and had 2 siblings already in the school, because the school felt that it was not the best place for the child (can't give any more info).

I would see what places you get offered and then look at housing that is easily reached from that school. Although most of the schools you mention are in the north of the city (except Heriots which is more central. While Edinburgh is a relatively small city it can be a pain crossing it during the school run!

My advice would be that your move neeeds to work for the whole family not just the kids so take where you are working and then living into account and then see if school can wrap around this. You dont mention dynamics of the family i.e. All girls or age mix as many different drops offs or school identities are not great for family life. Your budget and must haves tbh need to drive this a bit too! TBH one school might not be best fit for all 3 kids but dependent on location : ages etc sometimes a compromise needs to be had to keep all happy including parents. No one school is likely to be perfect for all three kids as some are sporty, single sex or particular other academic strength. It's a balancing act - but i'm sure you already know that. One thing I hope I can confirm is you will love the city and be glad you moved!

Given the schools you mention, the surprising omission (being rather similar) is George Watson's. IMHO Cargilfield is the one you should consider if you haven't, and if you'd consider a school that goes to 13 not 18 (you don't say anything about the ages of your children). In fact if your visit overlaps 5th October, you could go to their open morning, which would be a very easy way to have a look - see the webpage.

Hi we are in the state sector, so can't comment on private schools, but welcome to Edinburgh! Why don't you tell us some more about where you will be working, what kind of home you would like and what sort of neighborhood you prefer?

Thank you for all the advice. My daughter is 9 years old and her brothers are 7 and 5. I had not considered IMHO Cargilfield so thank you for giving me a heads up re the open morning because if we can fit it in, it will be worth exploring. I didn't mention George Watson's only because practically, we can't look at every school at this stage and with the children being so young, I don't want them to have to do loads of assessments.
I'm so pleased & relieved that you think we'll love the city. I have only been once whilst my husband had a day of interviews. I walked for 1 whole day and covered, Stockbridge, New Town, Bruntsfield, Morningside, Marchmont. I really liked the feel of Morningside and Bruntsfield. I have heard Murrayfield is nice for families?? We also have 2 cats so will need somewhere with a garden. The plan is to rent initially so would prefer to be fairly central. My husband will be based in the centre for his job and I work freelance so am flexible. If we lived south of the city, would it be a nightmare to drive north if they end up at schools there?
Thank you everyone. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Lol, IMHO isn't part of the school name, it means In My Humble Opinion! We live in the south and travelled to Cargilfield by bus (the 41). We survived, but had we been choosing where to live after we'd chosen the school we might have gone for New Town or Stockbridge!

I would definitely have a look at Watson's if you like the south side as with 3 children you/they will be doing the school run for a long time. If you are more Bruntsfield way your husband might be able to walk in to work.

Watson's open morning is on Saturday 7th October if you're here then.

Regarding areas - I think you should base yourself near the school you choose. Although people do drive in there are a lot of children walking to ESMS in the Ravelston/Blackhall area, and Watson's from Morningside/Bruntsfield/Craiglockhart areas. Heriots seem to be more diverse with the older children who showed me around from the Borders and commuting in by train! I imagine playdates/birthday parties/Cubs/Brownies are either a hassle or don't really happen if you are too far from the school.

Cargilfield is a must see in my opinion. Can't stress enough how fab Cargilfield is. GO AND SEE IT. it's not a 3-18 years school but that's it greatest strength. It is highly academic, it is competitive but it's warm and its nurturing, it caters fabulously for the very able and caters wonderfully for the less able. They are just great at finding talents in each child. Cannot recommend it enough.

Btw, the MNet Edinburgh/Lothians crowd are v nice. I organised the last meeting and if you like, I will call for another when you arrive, so you can get to know some people.

IMHO...duh! That's so funny, I have so much to sort out that I can't think straight!

ocelot41, a meet up would be lovely. We're aiming to move at the end of the year ready for the Spring term but it all depends on finding a school and somewhere to live. I'll keep you posted!

If you want private then best to see and apply to as many as you can/like. It's all down to availability though, and there is no guarantee that you will get places for all 3 children. We're at George Watsons (GWC), and last year I was aware of one family who had 3 kids - one got in straight away, the other got in a term or so later, and the third was still waiting. They ended up being split over GWC and their local state school. Schools will do their best to accommodate if they can, but they have number limits to adhere to too.

I do think you should look at GWC too though, it's a fab school!

My boys go to James Gillespies, state primary and high schools. This is for Marchmont, Sciennes, Newington areas. My 16 year old just got straight As. James Gillespies High was Sunday times school of the year, so I'd be carefully is assuming private education is best in Edinburgh.

We are at GH and absolutely love it. However, it's best to see what you prefer and what feels right to you. You will know S soon as you go to these schools what one is right for you.
Also heard great things about Cargilfield. I wanted. More central school hence the reason we chose GH and most importantly my children are both very happy :) (as am I)

Love Stockbridge, independent shops and cafes. But I don't have young children.