Cargilfield School

Cargilfield is the only standalone prep school in Edinburgh. Founded in 1873, we recently celebrated our 150th anniversary. As well as being Scotland’s first prep school, we remain the foremost prep school north of the border.

We deliver a broad curriculum, leading to Common Entrance and scholarship exams for children at 13, teaching a wide range of subjects with specialist teachers. A family school with an active community, we seek pupils with a wide range of abilities and personalities – as we believe that our small classes (purposely kept at no more than 18), high expectations and enthusiastic teaching allow every child to flourish. Delivered by specialist early years and subject specific teachers, we achieve sector leading academic performance.

Prioritising childhood, we nurture children’s curiosity and creativity to help them explore and discover their interests, abilities, and the world around them. Every child enjoys a full day of learning, with broad, challenging, and enriching experiences in academics, the arts, music and sport – each of which features extensively in the school week. All of this takes place on our campus – a unique location by the coast in Edinburgh. Sport is offered every day to children aged 8 and above, while art, technology and music are important parts of our curriculum with a view to develop all-round abilities. With an extensive range of clubs and activities throughout the week, from nursery to orm 8, there is something for every child.

In a school where the three golden rules are ‘Be kind, be kind, be kind’, pastoral care is fundamental to happy and successful children. Our form teachers and pastoral leaders, guided by the headmaster and his wife, prioritise kindness, fostering a supportive environment where each child thrives both inside and outside the classroom.

Cargilfield has a strong culture of boarding but one that is designed to suit modern families, and we offer weekly and flexi-boarding from ages 8 to 13. For the children in our nursery and pre-prep, children get to enjoy a fun and creative afternoon with their friends in our after school club care.