On paper this looks like a behemoth of a school, but it’s beautifully managed by an impressive leadership team working hard to deliver the best of educations. Exceptionally caring too, say parents, though probably not best suited to the very shy or the very quirky.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,118 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- Day £12,962 - £15,270 pa
- Local authority
- The City of Edinburgh Council
- Linked schools

Headteacher
Headmaster
Mike Kane
Since 2016, Mike Kane MA (English lit, Aberdeen) PGDE. Hails from Belfast and taught in Aberdeen and Elgin before becoming an English teacher at Stewart’s Melville College. Worked his way up to head of upper school before taking the helm at the
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.

Entrance
Waiting list for nursery, which is in partnership with the local authority. Nearly all (99 per cent in 2023) move up to the junior school. No need to assess them into P1, says school, ‘as we watch them every day’. Otherwise it’s a ‘gentle’ assessment
- Open days
- September

Exit
Vast majority (over 95 per cent) go on to the senior school, for which there is no formal assessment. School prefers not to say where the rest go.

Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.

Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones are not encouraged in ESMS Junior School, but we recognize some children may need them after school. Phones and internet-enabled devices must be off and hidden on school grounds, except at Bus Club with staff permission. Phones must be given to class teachers at the start of the day. Children can ask their teacher to use their phone during the day and must return it afterward. Unauthorized phone use will result in a Behaviour Support slip. Forgetting to hand in a phone will lead to a verbal warning and repeated incidents will incur stricter penalties.

Pupils

Money matters
No bursaries available for junior school.
- Fee information
- Day £12,962 - £15,270 pa

Our view
It’s taken 300 years for ESMS to become the ‘family’ of schools it is today. With its roots in the educational philanthropy of the 17th century, today’s junior school is the result of a merger in 1978 of Mary Erskine’s girls’ junior school and

The last word
On paper this looks like a behemoth of a school, but it’s beautifully managed by an impressive leadership team working hard to deliver the best of educations. Exceptionally caring too, say parents, though probably not best suited to the very shy or
