Welcome to the Senior School

Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is more than just a top private school. Our students are inspired to dream big, set ambitious goals, and surpass their own expectations, no matter which path they choose. The education we offer is transformative, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Our rounded education is sector-leading with consistently outstanding results, an award-winning wellbeing programme and an extensive range of co-curricular activities and outdoor learning, all underpinned by our five values. It is this approach that has earned us our reputation for developing grounded, resilient, accomplished children, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

231

Students involved
in a Performance Art

136

Sports teams across 28 different sports

493

School trips, from New York to Malawi

186

Clubs including stage lighting, fencing and unicycling

1150

Sports fixtures played

9035

Hours of volunteering last year

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The education we offer our students equips every child with the skills, confidence and mindset they need to succeed in the modern world.

Frances McCrudden

Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School

Helping You to Find Your Path, Your Way

At Erskine Stewart Melville individuality is something we celebrate. Whether your child is passionate about the arts, driven by academics, or loves playing sport, our dedicated teachers will help them explore their interests and find the path that is right for them.

Extraordinary Opportunities

Our broad curriculum, expansive range of co-curricular activities and outstanding programmes for sport, performance art and outdoor learning all help to inspire and stretch every student and nurture every talent.

A Culture of Innovation

At Erskine Stewart Melville teachers harness cutting-edge technology to create lessons that will inspire. As a Microsoft Global Showcase School we are leading the way in equipping students with the digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking they will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

A Strong Sense of Community

At Erskine Stewart Melville, community is central to everything we do. Our school values, award-winning wellbeing programme, and community outreach ensure every student feels valued, empowered to be themselves, and inspired to make a positive impact.

Preparing for a Bright Future

At Erskine Stewart Melville we prepare our students to embrace whatever the future holds. With an extensive careers programme, leadership opportunities, and a vast range of opportunities for personal development, we give our students the tools they need to succeed academically, personally and professionally. Whether they choose to pursue Higher Education, secure a competitive apprenticeship, or carve out their own unique and creative path, the Senior School sets the foundations they will need.

What Our Families Say

There's a club for everything and so much support in all areas…no matter what you are doing, it's just fun. I've got friends that I've been friends with since Nursery and I think I'll be friends with them forever.

Caroline, S4

The School ensures the students are fully aware of how lucky they are to enjoy the opportunities they do and that these opportunities should not be wasted.

Kate Comins, Senior School Parent

When I started off in P6 I was a bit nervous but I settled in straight away. This year we are doing the Sound of Music and I am appearing as Captain von Trapp and that's literally been an incredible experience.

Jonty, S6

Our Move to Co-Education

We’re excited to let you know that in August 2026 our two senior schools, The Mary Erskine School and Stewart’s Melville College, will join together at our Queensferry Road campus and our Junior School will come together at our Ravelston site, creating a single, fully co-educational school for students ages 11 to 18, named Erskine Stewart Melville. We are looking forward to the enhanced educational opportunities and the inclusive community this change will create.

If your child is joining us before August 2026, they will join Stewart’s Melville College, based at Queensferry Road, or The Mary Erskine School, based at our Ravelston campus. All students will then come together to join the new senior school in August 2026.