Another schools thread

[LouisePe]

We are currently having the Heriots vs Watsons debate in our house. We have a 2 year old son who we would like to start in the nursery at one of them. I'd like him to go all the way through his schooling at the school we choose and I was looking for others who have been through them for either nursery-S6 or P1-S6. Just worried a lack of change either at primary or secondary level and the same kids all through might not be a great idea.
I felt great about both schools after going to the open days- Watsons nursery gave us more of a homely feel but Heriots is slightly better location wise... would be very happy with either if anyone has any recent experiences!

A suggestion, put the schools names in your thread title and it's more likely someone with relevant experience will open them!

It won't be the same kids all through though. People will leave due to jobs, and be replaced by other kids whose parents want a change, and more classes get added at specific intake points, there will be plenty of churn.

tbh I wouldn't be heart-set on sticking with one for the next 16 years anyway. You have no idea what your 2yos strengths and needs will be in 5 years time let alone 10. Pick the school that seems right for now but don't be afraid to revisit the decision in a few years' time.

Always go for the closest school.

It makes friends/logistics so much easier.

For the state schools I'd be inclined to agree with this (unless one school was particularly poor compared to another) but i don't think it really applies so much in the private sector? Kids travel from all over Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond to these schools. My friends kids go to private schools and their friends live anywhere within about an hour's drive of the school - it makes play dates and birthday parties a nightmare at weekends!

Whilst private school children come from all over so friends location may not be such a consideration, you will be having to take them there every day for the next umpteen years. It is not just home location either, if you work then that location is also important. Having to leave 20 minutes earlier each day to pick them up may be significant in a workplace. And when they get to around ten it makes a big difference if they are able to get themselves home easily.