Ages 
In a city full of good private schools, we think Heriot’s stands out. Not just because of its academic record or its long history of helping bereaved families, but because of a remarkably down to earth and caring approach that seems to scoop up and welcome everyone. If you’re looking for a sporting behemoth for your child then this is probably not the school for you, but if you want well-rounded offspring with a clutch of good Highers, you couldn’t do better.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,653 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 362 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- £11,620 - £20,911 pa
- Local authority
- The City of Edinburgh Council
- School ownership
- George Heriot’s Trust
Headteacher
Principal
Mr Gareth Warren
Principal since 2021, Gareth Warren, previously rector of Morrison’s Academy in Crieff since 2015. Pharmacology degree (Liverpool), PGCE (Bristol). After teaching in state and independent schools in England and Bermuda respectively, he settled in
Entrance
Selection via assessment. From P5 upwards this will include maths, language and reasoning, plus an interview and team skills. Generally no intake in P4 and definitely no intake in S4. Entry to S5 is by entrance assessment, interview and reference.
Exit
Nearly all juniors move up to senior school. The vast majority go to Scottish Universities with Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews topping the poll. Social sciences and medicine are very popular – 19 medics in 2024. A handful of Oxbridge places most
Latest results
In 2024, 98 per cent A-C at National 5; 89 per cent A-B at Higher; 86 per cent A-B at Advanced Higher.
Teaching & learning
Spend any time with Edinburgh’s ‘chattering’ classes and you’re likely to end up on the subject of education. It’s a big topic in the Scottish capital which boasts an incredibly rich array of the country’s independent schools. And if you stray on to
Arts & extracurricular
Heriot has many highs, but we don't think art is one of them. As we wandered around, we weren’t grabbed by any incredible artistic endeavours. A few do go onto art college but commercial design is a more common route. School says that in 2025, a
Sport
‘Choice is our big thing as far as sport is concerned’. There are 32 different sports on offer with everything from aqua zumba to rock climbing at alien rock and surf club at Ratho in East Lothian. Over the last 10 years or so the sports department
Ethos & heritage
‘So what is the best thing for you about Heriot’s?’, we asked a cheeky P7. ‘Well, anything with a ball… I love my sport, but really, if I’m honest, the best thing for me, is that I shouldn’t really be here. I’m a foundationer and every day I just
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Doesn't get much better than Heriot’s when it comes to pastoral matters. As the head of pastoral care told us, ‘The emphasis on being nice is much higher than on doing well.’ The aforementioned learning enhancement department is designed to support
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
Provided by the school and not part of our review Pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones during the school day. Phones must be switched off and can only be used if permission is given.
Pupils & parents
Broad cross section. Partly because they have the foundation, they attract parents who wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable here. Also many university employees, doctors and other professionals. ‘Our pupil and parent body is very diverse.’ School
Money matters
Children from Lothian, Borders or Fife who have lost a parent can apply to the school’s foundation (means tested). There is an additional bursary fund of £1.2 million.
- Fee information
- £11,620 - £20,911 pa
The last word
In a city full of good private schools, we think Heriot’s stands out. Not just because of its academic record or its long history of helping bereaved families, but because of a remarkably down to earth and caring approach that seems to scoop up and
