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Cargilfield School A GSG School

What says..

‘A good number of families are coming to us from down south because they want to escape that pressure-cooker of achievement. We want to provide a balance.’ Now, over the years, Cargilfield has won the reputation of being a bit of a sporting behemoth. But does that mean that your non-sporty child will struggle to get into any teams? ‘In the past, definitely,’ said one parent, ‘but I notice an effort to improve that.’ Certainly, a change since our last visit, we were very cheered to see that the girls’ sporting achievements are as much centre stage as the boys’…

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What the school says...

Cargilfield is a unique Scottish independent day and boarding school in Edinburgh for 303 girls and boys from Nursery to age 13 and we have been educating and inspiring children since 1873. With its 13 acres of picturesque grounds, our campus is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the centre of Edinburgh.

With small class sizes of up to 18 children, specialised subject teachers, sports every day, and a choice of over 70 club activities, your child will receive a comprehensive education with extended days. We offer a flexible approach to learning, where the individual needs of each student are attended to, ensuring that every girl and boy can realise their potential to the fullest. With no homework assigned to our Upper School pupils, family life can take centre stage in the home.

Flexible boarding opportunities are available.


We offer school bus services from across Edinburgh, Midlothian, Perth, Kinross and Fife.

EDUCATION SCOTLAND scored Cargilfield School ‘Excellent’ - the highest possible rating - in an inspection report published in September 2023, which praised Cargilfield for raising attainment and achievement. We also received an impressive report in three other inspection categories with very good for leadership of change learning; for learning, teaching and assessment and for ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion.

To view a copy of the Education Scotland Inspection Report 2023 please go to our website. ...Read more

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Sports

Unusual sports

Fencing

Shooting

What The Good Schools Guide says

Headmaster

Since 2014, Rob Taylor. English degree from Durham and PGCE from Cambridge. Previously the registrar at Harrow School, he also has experience of running Ashdown Prep in Sussex and has taught at Wellington College, where he was also a housemaster.

A very popular head. ‘He knows each child off to a T. Very approachable and brilliant at energising everybody.’ He and his wife Sarah decided to return to her Scottish roots with their three children, partly because of the more balanced pace of life and partly because ‘Cargilfield is so highly regarded by the big schools down south’.

Entrance

Every child is assessed to some degree, even at nursery level, although it is ‘age appropriate’. It’s not selective, apparently, but more to check that they school can support their needs. But if...

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