Explore every episode of the podcast School Guide, Edinburgh

Episode 14

My guest today is Dr Kenneth Taylor, Head of St Mary's Music School, a specialist music school for children aged 8 -19. With around 70 day and boarding pupils, it consistently tops the Sunday Times Parent Power rankings. It’s an independent school that also offers up to 100% Government-supported grants. 

We discuss what makes their specialist music education programme so special for young musicians.

Ken tells us the school takes in two types of pupils: choristers from P5 to S2 who sing five services a week, and instrumentalists of any age playing any orchestral instrument. Right now, they have about 70 pupils, with nearly half boarding in the main building. They follow the Scottish curriculum but put heavy emphasis on music—it's tailored to students who are truly consumed by music, not just casually interested.

You don't need a specific grade level to get in. The process is straightforward: you submit a simple recording, then have an informal advisory audition, followed by a formal audition, and if that goes well, you come for a two-day trial visit. Ken emphasised they're looking for that genuine passion, not just technical ability at a certain level.

Once you're there, every pupil gets an individualised timetable that protects both their music and academic time. Each day kicks off with a 15-minute oral class, though Fridays start with choir rehearsal instead. First-years get two hours of one-to-one music tuition each week, and that expands to three and a half hours for the senior pupils. Beyond that, they include three hours of chamber music weekly, performance classes, coaching, and orchestral experience.

Academically, they consistently punch above their weight in Scotland, and the career outcomes are impressive. About 80% of leavers go into music at a conservatoire or university, but some study something completely different, such as engineering at Cambridge or chemistry at St Andrews, and they keep music as a major part of their lives.

Funding-wise, the Scottish Government Aided Places Scheme means it's genuinely affordable based on family circumstances. Some families pay nothing, while others contribute up to nearly full fees depending on income. The school also offers extra bursaries for choristers.

Beyond the core music programme, they've got all sorts going on—running clubs, public speaking, eco activities. They take pupils to about 20 evening concert visits every year to major Scottish venues. They also have a strong learning support department that helps about 20 of their 69 pupils, and they work closely with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and other performing arts organisations.

If parents are interested, they can visit the website or contact Becky Monogue, the Admissions Director, and start by sending in a recording. 

https://www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk/

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode Overview

This week, I'm delighted to welcome Charlie Minogue, Head of Fettes Prep, a co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 5–13. With just over 120 pupils, the school occupies its own purpose-built site adjacent to the iconic Fettes College campus, with full access to the stunning 100-acre grounds, woodlands, and facilities.

What We Discuss

Charlie shares his career journey before joining Fettes Prep in 2022, and how his own children are thriving within the College community. You can hear how genuinely passionate he is about preparing pupils for the future, not simply through knowledge acquisition, but by fostering critical thinking and essential life skills. We explore how the school prepares children for their transition to senior school, in particular the College, and beyond.

We also delve into the Early Years provision, which has recently earned recognition for its excellence. The pre-prep now welcomes children from age 5, and Charlie gives an idea of a typical day for our youngest learners. We touch on boarding age, pupil geography, and the balance between day and boarding pupils.

The conversation also covers the hot topic of screen time and technology use in schools, plus the impressive range of extracurricular activities on offer. Charlie also highlights innovative curriculum elements in the pre-prep, including early language introduction, engineering, and technology.

Charlie's warmth and enthusiasm came through clearly in this conversation. I'm sure parents will feel very comfortable visiting Fettes Prep for a fact-finding tour, and Charlie will make you feel very welcome.

You can arrange a personal weekday or weekend tour, or enjoy a taster day or "play and stay" experience in the pre-prep by contacting the admissions team via Fettes Prep.

https://www.fettes.com/prep-school

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 12 - this week my guest is Neil Tomlin OBE, the newly appointed head of Belhaven Hill School in East Lothian. It's a small co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 4 to 13. With just over 170 pupils, a heated outdoor pool and grass tennis courts, it could easily be mistaken for a country hotel next to the sea and a golf course.

I chat with Neil and learn about his career before he started at Belhaven this year and how he earned his OBE.

Neil discusses how important it is for the school to be small, where older and younger pupils know one another, and their lives are integrated. It has a high percentage of boarders in the older age groups, which Neil stresses is unique in Scotland and the north of England. It doesn't offer flexi-boarding, so the school stays full on weekends, rather than being left with only a few pupils when others have gone home. 

We discuss the school ethos and how it equips pupils for the future. He sees it as his role to help parents find the right school when they leave Belhaven.

We discuss screen use, how children are supported and stretched, the breadth of extracurricular opportunities, and much more on offer at Belhaven.

The school is hosting a virtual Open Evening (Zoom) on 24 November 2026 at 7:15 pm. They also have a Spring Open Morning: 27 February 2027 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm featuring campus tours and staff talks. 

You can arrange personal weekday or weekend tours and taster days by appointment with the school's registrar, Olivia Reynolds. admissions@belhavenhill.com

More details of Belhaven Hill School can be found at: https://www.belhavenhill.com/

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 11 — In conversation with Mark Becher, Head at The Compass School, Haddington.

I've known Mark for over 20 years through my work publishing the Nursery and School Guide Magazine, and he is exactly what you'd hope for in an independent school head: warm, approachable, and deeply committed to the children. Mark has led The Compass School for nearly 30 years, and that wealth of experience shines through in everything we discuss.

You'll hear just how passionate he is about the school, a place he describes as a family. With a maximum of around 150 pupils, Mark shares the real benefits of a small school: the opportunities every child gets to take part, the close bond they form with the school and with one another, and the sense that no one gets lost in the crowd.

We also talk about his journey through a range of teaching roles into leadership, and the school's award-winning intergenerational programme, exploring how it's woven into the whole community.

What comes through most is how enriched school life is at The Compass School, and how genuinely welcoming Mark is, a warmth the whole school embodies. Past pupils also frequently come back to visit.

Their September open day has now passed, but Mark is clear: parents are welcome to visit at any time. In fact, a private tour often shows you as much, if not more, than a formal open day event.

More details of The Compass School Haddington can be found at: https://www.thecompassschool.co.uk/

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 10 – I chat with Huw Jones, head of Merchiston. He's been Head for just over a year now, and I think you will agree that Huw comes across as an extremely competent and persuasive leader. In recent years, Merchiston has undergone a significant transformation, including establishing a new co-ed nursery and Junior School called The Forest. We talk about Huw's journey to becoming Head, what he's learnt about the school, and the direction it's going in.

He talks about how the school models three key pillars: care, challenge and contribution, where staff live it, model it and teach it. He also discusses fostering resilience and how to develop it in young people, as well as the importance of building relationships and mutual respect.

He has great insights into tech and the use of devices in school, academics, and developing tools around devices.

We talk about the school having a rugby reputation and tennis and golf academies – Huw stresses the breadth of all sports and the strength of other extracurricular activities.

We talk about academics, boarding, and, of course, the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 31st October across the Nursery, Junior and Senior School.

Huw has been nominated as Tatler's Best Public School Head, and I think you will agree from this conversation that Huw is an inspiring leader. Based purely on this conversation (and having not spoken to any of the other candidates), he's definitely got my vote!

You can find out more and register for the school Open Day at: https://www.merchiston.co.uk

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 9 - I chat to the very passionate Carol Chandler-Thompson,  Head of St George's School, Edinburgh. The only all-girls primary and secondary school in Edinburgh.

I had far more questions than time allowed! I hope you will find this a very interesting listen, especially if you already feel one way or the other about single sex education. Carol gives an insightful look at how single sex education benefits girls. We could have discussed this at great length but had to move on. I'm trying to keep these episodes to just 30 minutes.

The school has other rare features such as 'middle school' and a mix of GCSE, Higher and Advanced Higher options, and Carol makes a good case for the advantages of offering the Scottish higher exam options.

We cover lots of topics, such as the introduction to languages and extracurricular opportunities. Then, of course, we cover what parents can expect at the school's open day coming up on Saturday 3rd October and School in Action Day on Tuesday 6th October 2026

You can find their Instagram account at: @stgeorgesedin

Find out more at: www.stge.org.uk

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

In Episode 8, I chat with Colin MacIntosh, Headmaster of Cargilfield Prep School.

Cargilfield is a co-ed nursery and prep school with boarding and day pupils aged 3 to 13. It is situated in the Barnton/Cramond area on the west side of Edinburgh.

It was a delight to chat with Colin; he told us about himself, his family, and his route to becoming Headmaster at Cargilfield last year.

I asked him if he thinks his priorities or direction differ from the last head. And we discuss the ethos at Cargilfield and how they won these national awards: Tatler's "Best Prep School" and the "Best of the Best" award for Extra-Curricular activities in The Week UK Independent Schools Guide.

He tells us the format for the family fun day this Saturday, 19th September, for the parents with 2-5-year-olds, and their Open Day on Friday, 2nd October, for the School.

You can find their Instagram account at: @cargilfieldschool

Find out more at: www.cargilfield.com

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

In Episode 7, I chat with Emma Rattigan, Founder and Principal of the Edinburgh Montessori Art School (EMAS).

Emma's passion for, and deep knowledge of, the Montessori ethos of teaching and learning shines through from start to finish. I was completely gripped and could easily have kept recording for hours, though I did try my best to keep us on track for half an hour!

EMAS is the only school in Scotland to offer a complete Montessori education for ages 1–18, and we talk about how Emma grew from a nursery into a junior school, and now includes a senior school.

It may be a small school, with fewer than 100 pupils, but it has earned 'worldwide recognition as a hub of progressive educational excellence', and we explore what that really means in practice.

Emma also speaks passionately about the word 'Arts' in the school's name. 

Also, set on a hillside in a semi-rural setting, the school is a place where animals are integral to everyday life, and she tells us exactly why.

We also touch on AI, and I ask the same questions I've put to other school heads, so I hope this makes for another enlightening listen and adds yet another Open Day to your list.

Their Open Day takes place on 3rd October 2026. 

In the meantime, another great way to find out more is to follow Emma on the EMAS Instagram account, where she regularly shares informative videos.

You can find their Instagram account at: @montessoriartsschool

Visit Edinburgh Montessori Art School at: www.emaschool.co.uk

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

In this episode 6, I sit down with the incredibly personable Gareth Warren, Principal at George Heriot's. Once again, I put the same core questions to him — giving you the perfect opportunity to contrast and compare Heriot's with the other schools featured in this series.

Gareth talks about his own path into education and the experiences that shaped him, shares the values that drive him as a school leader, and gives us a real sense of the 'Heriot's Ethos' — and what it truly means to be a pupil there.

He also enlightens us on the breadth of after-school and extracurricular activities on offer; some of which might surprise parents.

Heriot's boasts a proud academic record, so I ask Gareth how the school navigates the weight of that reputation while still protecting pupil well-being — a balancing act every parent will appreciate.

For those already thinking ahead to assessment days, Gareth shares his best advice for parents whose children are preparing to sit the entrance test.

We also dive into the "Heriot's Ambition," launched in 2025, plus we explore how the foundation — alongside other bursaries — supports families who need financial help with fees.

Finally, Gareth gives us a clear picture of what parents can expect at the forthcoming Open Day on 26th September.

Find out more about George Heriot's at: www.george-heriots.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 5 is the first conversation in our series with the head of a boarding school.

Pete Richardson is Head of Loretto School, a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, with nursery provision. Located in Musselburgh, East Lothian, just outside Edinburgh, Loretto has fewer than 500 pupils and offers outstanding facilities, including a first-class Golf Academy. The school follows the English curriculum and exam system.

In this episode, we discover how Pete first became interested in teaching and hear about his career before joining Loretto. We also discuss his leadership style, his core values, and how these are woven into the ethos of the school.

Pete’s family is very much part of school life, including his wife. They were both born in South Africa, and I could honestly have listened to his lovely accent all day.

Loretto is one of the few schools in Scotland that follows the English curriculum, so we explore what that means for pupils when it comes to exams. As Loretto is also a boarding school, I asked Pete about the benefits of boarding and discovered that the school offers families the opportunity to try boarding before making a longer-term commitment. We also discuss flexi-boarding options, as well as places for day pupils.

Finally, we talk about the format of Loretto’s Senior School Open Day, taking place on 26 September.

Pete’s warmth and kindness come across so clearly throughout the podcast. I would highly recommend listening to this episode to find out whether Loretto should be on your Open Day list.

Find out more about Loretto at: www.loretto.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 4 offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Montessori Nursery and School in Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

The nursery welcomes children from age 2.5, with the primary school catering for ages 6–12.

In 25 years of publishing the Nursery and School Guide magazine, this is the conversation that finally gave me a true understanding of how the Montessori method compares to mainstream education.

If you're in the early stages of choosing a nursery or early years setting in Edinburgh, listen to this episode from start to finish — it will open your eyes to another wonderful option, especially for families on the north or west side of the city.

We also discuss the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 26th September, so if this episode sparks your interest, you can see it for yourself.

Learn more about The Montessori Nursery and Primary School in Edinburgh:

https://www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

In episode three, I'm delighted to be joined by Anthony Simpson, Principal of Erskine Stewart Melville — a co-educational independent day school for children aged 3 to 18.

The nursery welcomes children from age 3 at the Junior School on the Ravelston site up to P7. The whole senior school is now based on the Queensferry Road site. Anthony tells us how the senior school’s merger has come together. 

We talk about his path into a career in education and various schools he has worked in before joining ESM. We talk about how his leadership style reflects the ethos and values of the school. 

I ask what makes the school special, given the school’s pupil roll is over 2,000, how this impacts the experience for pupils and the benefits it brings. We discuss the vast extracurricular programme and facilities on offer. Anthony tells us how child wellbeing is central to everything they do at ESM.

We talk about the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 19th September, and I ask Anthony how parents can get the most from visiting the school.

Learn more about Erskine Stewart Melville here: 

https://www.erskinestewartmelville.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

In the second episode of the series, I'm delighted to be joined by Mr Barry Welsh, Rector of The Edinburgh Academy — a co-educational independent day school for children aged 2 to 18.

The Nursery welcomes children from age 2 at the Junior School in Inverleith. From Primary 7, pupils move to the Senior School on Henderson Row in Stockbridge, where they stay until age 18.

Barry shares his journey to becoming Rector over eight years ago and his leadership style. We explore how the school's two campuses shape the pupil experience, and he sums up the ethos that runs through both sites.

We also discuss assessments and entry into the school. Barry explains how the Academy values personality and looks at what each child brings to the community — above and beyond academic ability alone.

He highlights how important he believes developing children's communication skills is for preparing young people for their future careers.

Finally, we talk about the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 12th September, and Barry encourages parents to visit on a working weekday too, to get a genuine feel for everyday school life.

Learn more about The Edinburgh Academy here: 

https://edinburghacademy.org.uk

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com  

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here: 

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

For this first episode, I am delighted to be joined by Mrs Jill Drummond, Headteacher at Clifton Hall, a co-ed independent school for 3-18-year-olds in Newbridge, on the west side of Edinburgh. 

During our conversation, I felt Jill's passion for education and her desire to make sure every child has the potential to flourish. 

We talked about her journey to becoming head at Clifton Hall and her leadership style. We also discussed the school's ethos and how it supports both academically able children and those who need support.

Jill tells us how the school promotes independence and resilience, and prepares children for further education and alternative options. 

We also touch on what parents should do if their child is already at a school but socially or academically unhappy.

Finally, we discuss how you can visit Clifton Hall School and see it in action at their upcoming open day on Friday 11th September.

Learn more about Clifton Hall School:

https://www.cliftonhall.com

Get in touch with the show by Emailing:

schoolguidepod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Last note - apologies for the recorded sound levels on my mic during this episode. Come back next week, and I'll have mastered the tech!

Welcome to this trailer for the School Guide Edinburgh. A podcast series where I chat to top independent school heads ahead of the open day season. I hope this series will help you on your journey to find the right school for your child.