Progressive/social-emotional focussed Primaries in and around Edinburgh

[Dwjssdss]

Is there such a thing? We’re thinking of relocating to Edinburgh and looking for a primary. For us the social-emotional aspect of school is the most important component but it’s the hardest to find using the internet. So I’m wondering if you have any suggestions of schools I can check out. We’re open to any and all areas in and around Edinburgh for the right school, ideally a state school but we’ll consider private (I’m already aware of the Steiner school). Ideal qualities would be diverse, inclusive, child-led/emergent learning, minimal testing, no homework, no competitiveness, strong parent community. I’m not expecting to get all of that but just to give you an idea of what kind of things that appeal. I realise it’s a lot to ask from the state sector but I’m hoping there are some out there! Thanks for your input.

Hi there, welcome to edinburgh and good luck with your move here. It is a wonderful city to raise a family in and we are lucky to have brilliant state schools across the city. I think you will struggle to find what you are looking for in the state sector though. I don’t know if you move comes from outwith Scotland but the curriculum for excellence does give us an intergrated approach to learning that does have its strengths. There is not as much testing as in England for example, but Steiner would best match the wish list you are looking for. A quarter of children here pretty much are privately educated which is a large number compared to the rest of the country, but s large number of the independent schools are academically focused which is why people opt for them.
I think it would be worth speaking to the Steiner team, and then having a look at areas in the city you like and from there speaking to the local state schools about their approaches. The most diverse schools tend to have more in terms of pastoral care in there schools to welcome and support families esp those with English as a second language. That said though I don’t know if any where homework and home learning is not essential. Home and school partnership is a big focus for most. Good luck with your search. I’ve been told be friends there is also a strong home education network in the city. My children are at a state school and I am happy with the learning and individual care they receive.

Thanks 21seconds. I used to love in Edinburgh in my 20s and love it. I didn’t have a family head on then so it feels foreign even to know which areas to look at living in as I was always in EH1. It’s good to hear you’re happy with your children’s schools and thank you for your insights into the system.

There is a really movement of change in Scotland around the emotional well-being provided by school as a result of the ACES movement. I was at the Portobello learning festival at the weekend and it was full of teachers talking about the steps they have made in some of the areas you discuss. These are al things that we want for our school and are working towards but we aren't there yet! Follow Suzanne Zedyk on twitter, or PortyLF to see some of the initiatives and maybe details of schools who are on track

Thanks @Bouncebacker!

Hi Dwjssdss, I know this thread is more than a year old but we are also thinking about moving to Edinburgh and I found your post which summarizes what we look for in a school too. Could you please share any findings? Thanks!