Cargilfield

[Libelula21]

Is anyone able to give me feedback on Cargilfield? From what I can see from online research, it seems like a lovely, friendly, child-centred school with a good head in Rob Taylor.

However, I’m worried that it might be a bit too unbearably posh for us, and also a little bit hot-housey.

I’m also worried about the wider angle of, if we invest so much in our child’s education, is that just going to put pressure on him down the line?

Thanks.

@Libelula21 both my DC attended Cargilfield. I can’t say enough great things about it. It is a fab school.

Is the school “posh” ? I would certainly agree that there is a large contingent of very well off (both old and new money) and it attracts those who embrace the concept of boarding (and can therefore afford the very high boarding fees) but we are definitely not “posh” and my DC managed just fine.

We have 2 very different DC but Cargilfield absolutely brought out the best in both. We knew Rob Taylor before he started at Cargilfield as Headmaster and I have nothing but respect for him. Pm me if you want more detailed info.

@motherstongue - thanks - I've PM'd you - though not had confirmation that the message went through OK.

I’ve had two dc at Cargilfield; one is just about to finish having been there since p1. The school is amazing! We are not posh - far from it. There are plenty of wealthy families there, families who are spending everything on education and bursary families. The s ce oil is wonderful in supporting every child in their journey and attracts many clever dc and motivated parents, but I’d never think of it as a hot house. The children have sports every day, clubs every day (these are various and plentiful), debates, trips to the beach (walking distance). My dc both enjoyed outdoor pursuits and have done kayaking, mountain biking, sailing... I don’t think there’s anywhere comparable in Scotland! feel free to PM.

Hi, @SomethingInTheWaySheCooks,

Thanks very much for this reply. I've PM'd with motherstongue and have been given quite a clear picture of what to expect (and also what thinking I need to do given our circumstances). It sounds like a truly lovely school!

It has also made me sad and not a little angry that there seems to be such a huge gulf between what the best quality provision, and that which is offered as standard.

I’ve never heard of the school so went and Googled it. It looks absolutely fantastic and I’m sure no child could fail to thrive there. Its facilities look amazing. My two are nearly coming out the end of their education in city State primary and secondary and I’m wondering how much better they would have fared if we could have afforded the type of education on offer at places like Cargilfield. I’m hoping they get into good Universities and it all evens out in the end (although the remote learning has been shite and I’m sure many private school pupils have really steamed ahead with this compared to many state schools) I think if you can afford it go for it and don’t worry about ‘poshness’ - it’ll rub off on them eventually even if you fall short on that front

Thanks for your comment @voteinvain . It sounds like your DC have passed through the pandemic at a critical time, and I hope it all works out ok.

It’s a multi-factored decision for me.... I wish I had a crystal ball to see what was coming down the tracks! In terms of the fallout from COVID, Brexit and Scottish political tensions, as well as my own life. I see just today it’s reported that the IFS have found that Sunak’s budget implies more austerity to come.

Hi - my DS is at Cargilfield and he loves it. It is an amazing school, very caring and supportive. It offers a great all round education, not just academics but sports, clubs, arts, music, etc.
I don’t think it’s that ‘posh’, i agree with ‘Somethinginthewayshecooks’.
Do message me if you have any more questions- I can’t recommend it highly enough
PS - they have done a fantastic job at keeping the kids education going, and keeping them (and the parents) motivated and supported during lockdown

Thanks @legomum3

I've been looking at some of the many videos posted up on their Facebook site, and I have been hugely impressed by the homeschooling clips that I've seen. They clearly have done a great job, and I did see the comment from the little boy who said that the remote learning caused by lockdown had supported him (I paraphrase) into growing into a better self-starting learner.

I think I've come to my conclusion: Cargilfield offers everything that I would want for the education of my DC.. but I have do other personal / financial factors to weigh up first. Despite reassurances that it's not 'posh'... that is a relative term, and some of the interiors featured in the home learning clips have not stopped me from weighing up this aspect.

Thanks all for your comments.

I agree with pp it's worth having an eye to what you plan for senior school. As it's up to 13 most children will go on into the boarding school sector.
If that is not your plan then your child will need to leave a year early. Most Edinburgh day schools do not have an intake at 13 and even if there was a place your child may be the only new start.

It's just worth thinking about and make sure you and your child are ok with that. I moved mine from state to private mid primary and they were both fine, but we did a lot of preparation for couple years before so they knew they were not staying on with their friends.

Thank you @Eightytwenty and @Sootess

Yes, I would plan to move my child into one of the Edinburgh day schools for p7 - Cargilfield has a standalone appeal for me, due to the space, proximity to the beach, the focus on early years, and what I can see of its ethos. I think 13 years all the way through one school might risk a degree of institutionalisation.