Episode 15 - We look back at the fourteen Independent School Heads in Edinburgh and the Lothians, hear their unique styles, yet shared commitment to one thing: creating the best humans.

First, you will hear from the Prep School Heads of Cargilfield & Fettes. Then, out to East Lothian, we hear from Belhaven Hill and The Compass School in Haddington, then an all-through-school, Loretto in Musselburgh.

In the middle section of this episode, you will hear clips from the Edinburgh day school heads - that's: Heriot's, Erskine Stewart's Melville, Edinburgh Academy and Clifton Hall. Unfortunately, Watson's haven't been available, so we can't include them at this point.

Then I have grouped St. George's, a single-sex girls' school, and Merchiston Seniors, all-boys school in this section.

Finally, our specialist schools - both Montessori and St Mary's Music School. This episode doesn't include the Steiner, The Forest or Regis School; those episodes are due out in the next three weeks.

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

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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