Edinburgh private schools

[morag05]

Hello we are looking to relocate to Edinbugh with our 2 daughters .I wondered if anyone could advise me on schools that are strong on the arts ( my 12 year old currently has a drama scholarship ) and is dyslexic . So for her we need a dyslexia friendly school where she will flourish and where they are hot on drama etc .
My youngest is 9 is very academic and is good at art so I need advice for both girls .
I've also no idea where to pick a house . I've lived down south since leaving university in Glasgow 26 years ago and really would appreciate some advise on good areas .
Has anyone a Dyslecic daughter at Mary Erskine or St Georges ?
Many thanks !

Can't give you any advice as i have boys, but you might get a better response on the Scotsnet board.

I would post on the local Edinburgh board for traffic.
I would contact all the main private schools to arrange to go and see them, and to get some direct advice.
My dd is at George Watsons. She's only in p2 so I can't comment on what drama is like at 12 but I've heard they are good with dealing with dyslexia.
As for areas, if you are going private school you not stuck with catchments so can choose an area that suits your budget, although I would aim for close to the chosen school for ease! Take a look at the ESPC to get an idea of prices.
Edinburghs quite compact compared to other cities and we have a pretty decent bus network too.
Good luck!

Scotsnet rather than the local board.

The local boards can't be accessed via the app and therefore have tumbleweed going through them

True, I access the local board when at work on a 'proper' computer!

George Watsons used to have one of the best units for dyslexia in the country. They may still do but my experience is historic. The 2 schools you mention while having a "support for learning" unit are probably not as geared up to help as GW, but you could always ask them if you are particularly interested in single sex education. Watsons also have a very good drama department (as does ME) and put on several excellent productions each year.

Thank you lovely ladies for your help . George Watson looks like it would be a good fit I will organise to visit . Has anyone any experience of the Steiner school . The only thing about eat sons is that it is huge .Many thanks and happy Easter .

Watsons is big, and was my main concern when we went to view it. A visit there on open day made me feel so reassured that it doesn't 'feel' big. It's a very friendly school in my opinion.

As for Steiner, I've heard good and terrible reviews (like most schools I guess!). It's just over he road from GWC, you could hopefully do a visit in the same day.

Thank you I need to work quickly as its for an August start .

DS is at Watson's (S2) and DD will be starting in August. Applications are already done for the coming school year so you may have to wait and apply for 2017. It's definitely worth contacting the school and having a tour. As PP have mentioned, it has a good reputation for working with students with dyslexia.

Stay away from Edinburgh Steiner. My friends DDS year left in droves. I had originally recommended it as a perhaps good fit as she had previously struggled in her large state primary. It was the worst choice possible! She is now thriving in another independent school ( as are the others who left).

Although the normal round of admissions for August is finished you may well find that some places are reserved for people moving into the area, it's worth asking.

Just noticed that you are looking for a place in august. The offers have gone out and there will be a waiting list in place. A third of applicants will have be unsuccessful in securing a place.

James Gillespie's (state achool) also was know to have good dyslexia support, my friend raves about the school.

The state secondaries have to hold places for those that move into catchment prior to S1.

After the Easter hols, get on the phone to all schools to accertain who has places available and go from there.

You could always rent while trying to find your feet.

Steiner isn't an actual school. It's a crank philosophy which I would never advise anybody to subject their child to.

Dh went to watsons. The specialist centre for dyslexia, which also had the possibility for boarding so pupils came from all over Scotland, closed shortly after he left. However sounds like they are still doing good work.

Music and drama I'd look at ESMS - they have an amazing theatre and the girls part (Mary erskines) has long had a good reputation for music.

Thank you again ladies for all
your informed words of wisdom . School choices are always a nightmare and now of course most of the places will be taken .I will get on the phone as soon as Easter hols are over .
Cheers
Xx