Independent schools in Scotland

Craigclowan School is unique in Perthshire as a fully co-educational, independent day school catering for children from the age of three to thirteen. Located on the edge of The Fair City, we are fortunate to be able to offer a rural setting with superb, modern facilities. Our aim is simple: to provide an all-round education for our pupils that prepares them for the senior school of their choice and, in doing so, helps them discover the balance between work and play. We expect our pupils to be caring, responsible and independent and to have the time and space to enjoy the opportunities that childhood offers in our beautiful and private grounds.

ESMS Junior School is a coeducational nursery and preparatory school with boarding available for children aged 10-12 years. In the nursery we lay the foundations for a life of learning, working in close partnership with parents. Children learn through play and are stimulated and encouraged to grasp new opportunities. By the time they move on to Primary 1 they are brimming with excitement, anticipation and confidence. In the Junior School we believe that children should not lose the joy of discovering the world outside – or the potential within themselves. Children are nurtured to become happy and confident young people and they learn that if they always do their best they can be proud of themselves and their achievements.

Fettes College and Fettes Prep are uniquely situated in extensive grounds and woodland close to the heart of Edinburgh, and enjoys a reputation as one of the pre-eminent boarding and day schools in the UK for boys and girls aged 7-18. Fettes is a creative and vibrant community, an exciting place in which to live and work.

An independent school at the forefront of learning and teaching in Scotland. In the 17th century George and Thomas Hutcheson, merchants in Glasgow, founded the school which still bears their name. Throughout its history Hutchesons' Grammar School has always been a proud champion of academic excellence - and an independent school which is open to intelligent children from any background.

Right from the moment that you pass under the rather grand stone archway that marks the entrance to Kilgraston, it’s clear you’ve arrived at a rather special place. Travel down the driveway, over the stream and past fields of horses until you reach our Georgian red sandstone mansion. Inside, our girls’ artwork adorns every wall, and the sounds of music rehearsals echo down each corridor. Across the front lawn – to what was once the stable building but is now our bright and cheery prep school – girls laugh, play and learn together. Only 45 minutes from Edinburgh airport yet Kilgraston is secluded and girls are free to roam around the 54 acres of pristine Scottish parkland.

Merchiston is the only all boys independent boarding school in Scotland offering the English curriculum, and has a global, outward-looking dimension. We take pride in specializing in the education of boys and preparing them for the world, as we have for over 175 years, developing aspirational, and sensitive, yet gentle-men! Think about a wonderfully caring and nurturing family environment, where they will learn to like learning more.

St George's aims to provide an inspiring education for girls to prepare them for taking their place in the global community as women of independent mind. Our school motto, Chaucer's Trouthe and Honour, Fredom and Curteisye still informs our ethos today.

The only girls’ school in Aberdeen, St Margaret’s has around 370 pupils ranging in age from 3 to 18. Our school is large enough to offer flexibility and choice in terms of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities, but small enough to ensure that each girl is well known within a friendly and family atmosphere. St Margaret’s staff are experts in teaching girls and are committed to supporting each girl to be all that she can be both inside and outside the classroom.

Stewart's Melville College was formed in 1972, when two of Edinburgh's premier boys' schools merged: Daniel Stewart's College and Melville College. Education at SMC is about individual children. Nothing matters more than helping boys to develop into responsible, caring young people who have high expectations and who are always willing to challenge themselves both within the classroom and beyond.

Strathallan is a place of excellence and opportunity for all. For over 100 years, we’ve been an open and progressive school with a strong sense of community. We welcome pupils from all cultures and backgrounds, celebrating the diversity that makes up the rich tapestry of Strathallan life.

Headmaster

Mark Lauder