St Mary's Music School

Since 2013, Dr Kenneth Taylor BSc PhD PGCE PG Dip. Local council scholarship to Dulwich College, read chemistry at Edinburgh University and spent three years as a research chemist before moving into teaching. Came to St Mary’s from Biggar High where

Hopeful candidates send in a video, to which they get written feedback. If suitable, a formal audition follows, with school choosing ‘people they believe can go on and study at a conservatoire and have a career in music’. ‘Most of them go onto

All choristers must leave at end of S2 (traditional time for boys’ voices to break). Girls leave too to make it fair. ‘If a boy’s voice changes before S2 we will support them to the end of school year.’ Some go onto another state or independent

In 2024, 100 per cent A-C at National 5; 92 per cent A-B at Higher; 89 per cent A-B at Advanced Higher; 50 per cent A*/A at A level, 75 per cent A*-B (music only).

Cracking results, among the best in Scotland. School cites the ‘transferable’ focus and commitment of musicians, along with tiny class sizes. Pupils spend half the time doing music, the other half on academics. Every child has a bespoke timetable

One part-time learning support teacher, but due to the highly individualised education the quality and depth of the support is impressive. ‘We create little programmes for individuals to work on particular skills.’ All included in fees. Autism most

All pupils, both junior and senior, spend 50 per cent of their time doing some form of music, be it practice or individual lessons.

Choristers start their day at nearby St Mary’s Cathedral for a one-hour rehearsal in the Song School (one of the

An hour a week of physical activity – considerably less than most independent schools. Basketball was stopped because too many fingers were injured. Likewise, no rugby or hockey. But head runs four running clubs and there is a volleyball club – and

Two floors of accommodation for boarders in Coates Hall – mainly twin rooms, with a few singles, all en-suite. We were amused by seeing two beds squiggled together to give one senior a luxurious double. All clean, homely and surprisingly spacious.

Very few disciplinary issues. ‘We’re all focused on the same thing,’ says head, who is rightfully proud of his co-operative and well-mannered charges. No phones allowed during the day and its compulsory to go out and run around every break up to

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils are charming, courteous, quite serious and completely immersed in the world of music. ‘Musicians have intense focus,’ says the head. ‘This is often a haven for them – they can be themselves; they don’t stand out or have to hide their intense

School relies on the support of the Scottish government’s aided places scheme. Up to 100 per cent means tested bursaries. Occasional help offered to outstanding international candidates. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral also offers bursarial support to

A magical school that sends pupils out into the world with excellent academic and musical education, but you need to be able to hit the high notes to get in. Charming and impressive, a delightful enclave of musical excellence.