Why our Educational Partnership Programme is so distinctive
Our Educational Partnerships Programme is rooted in North Edinburgh, close to our School, yet home to some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Meaningful partnership begins with being a good neighbour and developing long-term relationships with the communities around us. This work reflects our mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindset to thrive and shape a better world.
By focusing our efforts in one place, we’ve been able to build trust, respond to local priorities and become part of the wider networks already working to support children and young people.
This collaborative approach shapes everything we do, from year-long tutoring and mentoring placements with local primary schools to running inclusive sport events, environmental volunteering and community STEM clubs. Rather than offering one-off experiences, we create opportunities for students to make consistent contributions over time, gaining experience, perspective and a deeper understanding of the world around them, and their place within it.
How our partnership programme is woven into the fabric of School life
Thanks to the appointment of our first Community and Partnership Manager in 2024, our programme has become part of the student journey.
It begins in the Junior School through initiatives such as JAS, fundraising and intergenerational partnerships with local care homes, before developing through opportunities such as the Youth Philanthropy Initiative in S2 and the Roots Futures programme in S3, which looks to build understanding and a sense of shared purpose between independent and state school students.
Community engagement becomes increasingly immersive as students move through the School. During 2025–26, all S4 students participated in Community Days, working alongside local charities. Senior students took part in tutoring, mentoring, STEM leadership, inclusive sport and volunteering programmes, while S6 students were given dedicated timetable time for community partnership activities.
The programme is further supported by a Community Working Group comprising more than 20 staff, governors and school leaders.
Community partnership is no longer seen as an optional extra, but as an everyday part of School life.
The difference our programme has made
During 2025–26, more than 400 ESM students participated in community-facing activities, working alongside over 20 partner organisations, contributing more than 3,000 volunteer hours. This high engagement had positive impact on local children and young people.
As part of these activities, we’ve shared our Physical Education expertise and resources. Our inclusive sports programme welcomed hundreds of children with disabilities and their families, supported by around 100 S5 Sports Leader volunteers. We opened our swimming pool to Rowanfield School, enabling students with complex support needs to access regular swimming provision.
Partnerships have strengthened academic learning as well, both for ESM students and the school communities they supported. More than 30 local primary-aged children achieved nationally recognised CREST Awards through after-school STEM clubs delivered in partnership with local schools and community organisations.
An Advanced Higher Geography fieldwork day brought together more than 50 students from local state schools, providing access to specialist equipment, facilities and expertise. The project has since led to the creation of a shared fieldwork equipment library and an ongoing network for collaboration between schools.
ESM student feedback has been equally encouraging. Over 50 S6 students participating in long-term volunteering programmes reported developing useful skills and being more likely to volunteer in the future. Ninety-four percent of the group reported feeling more connected to the city and communities around them.
Community organisations are returning year after year and seeking to expand programmes, while more School staff are initiating partnership projects of their own. Together, these are strong indicators that community partnership is becoming a lasting and valued part of life at ESM.
Find out more about our community involvement in our Impact Report.
