George Heriot's School was founded in 1628 to care for the fatherless children of Edinburgh. Today it is a modern, fully co-educational day school for children aged 4–18 which continues to fund the education of children who have lost a parent under its Foundation. The School is situated on a world heritage site in the centre of Edinburgh, within easy walking distance of bus and rail terminals – a number of bus routes service the School. Edinburgh Castle forms a magnificent backdrop, and Edinburgh’s flourishing financial centre, the University of Edinburgh, the College of Art, the National Library and the National Museum of Scotland are located close by.
The original building, described as a ‘bijou of Scottish Renaissance Architecture’, forms the centre of this bustling school, with the Chapel, Council Room and Quadrangle of particular historical note. Over the years, a succession of new buildings has provided the full complement of educational facilities. A state-of-the-art sports centre was opened in 2012 and new Refectory and Wraparound Care facility in 2018. The School has excellent sports fields and facilities at Goldenacre. Our aim is to introduce all pupils to a broad spectrum of academic, cultural and sporting interests and experiences, enabling them to develop into articulate, self-reliant, hard-working and kind adults who play their full part in an ever-changing society.
Heriot’s has long enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence, with outstanding examination results; we value scholarship and effort. In the same spirit, every pupil is encouraged to participate in an extensive array of co-curricular activities. We encourage participation and success in an unusually wide range of sports including cricket, basketball, football, cross-country running, hockey, rowing, rugby, athletics and tennis, we also strongly encourage more minority sports. Education Scotland carried out a Whole School Inspection of George Heriot’s School in April 2024. The results confirmed the School’s sector-leading standard across Junior and Senior schools. Each of the four inspection areas was rated Very Good or Excellent.
We have an outstanding record in music, both choral and instrumental, and in drama. Junior and Senior schools boast a huge range of clubs, with particular strength in our Debating Society, Pipe Band, Drama productions, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force. The School proudly holds a Gold level UNICEF Rights-Respecting Schools Award. There is a heavy emphasis throughout the school on charitable fundraising and community service including our award-winning S6 Voluntary Service programme, in line with our motto: I Distribute Chearfullie.
The Nursery (32 children). The Nursery accommodates children in their pre-school year. It is part of the Early Years Department. Admission to the Nursery is open to all.
The Junior School (578 pupils). The Junior School follows a bespoke curriculum with a focus on academic rigour and solid subject content, particularly with regard to literacy, numeracy and science. Art, drama, modern languages, music, computing and all areas of physical education are taught by specialists. Philosophy is a key strength in the Junior School through the delivery of its unique Learning Enhancement programme.
The Senior School (1,046 pupils). For the first two years, a broad curriculum is followed. An unrivalled choice of subjects is available from S3 to S6 in preparation for Scottish Qualifications Authority examinations. Most pupils remain for our carefully designed Sixth Year and proceed to university or other forms of tertiary education. Heriot’s enjoys a reputation as a caring community. Great importance is given to pastoral care and a sophisticated careers advisory programme is in place. The Support for Learning Department provides invaluable help to many Junior School and Senior School pupils.
Admission. Admission (other than for Nursery) is by assessment. Application for occasional places is welcome at any time, but for the main entry stages the application deadline is 1 December the year preceding entry.
Fees per annum (2024-2025). Junior School: £11,620 (Nursery, P1 & P2), £14,108 (P3 to P7); Senior School: £17,426. VAT will be applied to these fees in accordance with legislation.
A limited number of bursaries is available from Primary Six and there are Scholarships for entry at Senior One. Children who have lost a parent may qualify for supported education and other benefits through the Foundation. Full information is available from the Finance Office on request.
Charitable status. George Heriot’s Trust is a Registered Charity, number SC011463. It exists to provide education for children.