Erskine Stewart Melville or Edinburgh academy for junior (primary school)

[SAEdin]

My child will be starting primary school in aug 2026 and we have applied to both schools. Could anyone give any advice on which school they think is better? This can be in terms of eg academics, teacher support, overall school environment, extra curricular activities, teaching methods, facilities etc. Thank you.

Mary Erskine

In Aug 2026 it will transition into a single co-educational school called Erskine Stewart Melville

I know multiple people with DC at both. All are happy so I’d just go with what’s more convenient and suits your needs. Most of the dc in our street go to EA as it’s the closest and they can cycle there

ESMS

I've read on these threads that EA is very "old money" type families but I know people who go and they definitely don't fall into that category! If you're local to the area then EA does seem to have a lot of local kids who go there (judging by the number you see walking to school or getting the local bus) so that could be a factor for friendships and after school clubs etc.

@MiddleAgedDread none of the families I know that go there fall in to that category either. Just professional couples both working. The ease of wrap around care especially with more than one young dc made it a better option than the local very good primary for some. Others were Vinceabojt the local high school not being of such a good standard. As you say there are many many walking on foot so are local. That along side lack of boarding probably makes it less old money. Maybe it was the case when it was also a boarding school

We are very happy with EA. Excellent wrap around care and holiday provision. Lovely campus. Huge advantage is being able to walk for us.

Ultimately I think they are all very similar and personally would choose what makes your ‘commute’ easier. Particularly at junior school level.

Check up on EA’s iPad/ homework policy. It was some years ago but a friend of mine really disliked having to buy her twins an iPad each in P5 to do homework on school app. Much preferred kids off devices.