George Watson's College

Since September 2024, Lisa Kerr, a well-known figure in Scottish education, who was previously principal of Gordonstoun since 2017. Prior to working in education, she worked in commercial media, including leading the radio sector through digital

Nursery from age 3. Up to primary 3 by interview, takes about an hour. From primary 4 upwards by written test and interview: lang, maths and verbal reason, plus a spot of writing. Main entry to college is P7 (age 12) when four classes become five and

No guarantee of advancement from nursery to main primary school but, once in, virtually all go on to senior school, unless family circumstances dictate otherwise. Around 98 per cent stay on after Highers for further studies. Well over 90 per cent go

in 2024, 95 per cent A-C at National 5; 72 per cent A-B at Higher; 75 per cent A-B at Advanced Higher.

The nursery is charming. It is also enormous. Three parallel classes with up to 30 children in each. But jolly none the less, with all the bells and whistles you expect from toddler teaching. Play areas, sand pits, water, tiny tables and dedicated

George Watson’s has been instrumental in the development of SEN in Scotland and retains its excellent reputation. It is ‘not selective’ by ethos and prides itself on identifying potential problems (has its own educational psychologist). Drop-in

Both senior and junior World Pipe and Drum champions recently with pipe teams touring Japan. Unrivalled choice from about 80 clubs and societies – 20 sports clubs, four orchestras, three bands, musical ensembles and several choirs, plus organised

Rightly famed as a rugby school, this is an ambitiously sporting place. Runs the Galleon sports club, open to other organisations as well as the school and local community. A plethora of sports clubs of just about everything you could think up, for

A seven-point school charter devised by pupils evidently respected and effective. The ethos of respect for others means, in practice, our guides explained, that fighting is not tolerated and seldom happens, ditto bullying. A tried and tested system

Popular (in the trad sense of the word) Edinbourgeoisie, wannabes and incomers taking for granted that it is Edinburgh’s top school. Pupils certainly appear motivated and purposeful. Very much a local school, though some travel quite a distance -

George Watson’s Family Foundation: primarily for 10/11 year olds, though awards available in junior school and current pupils ‘may apply for short-term help at any stage.’ Means-tested. Will keep a pupil to the next public exam in extenuating circs,

Something of a Leviathan and definitely all things to all pupils and parents, with a distinguished and deserved reputation. Communication with parents and pupils said to be effective and every pupil treated as an individual. Big is beautiful in that