School Guide, Edinburgh

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The Nursery and School Guide Edinburgh Magazine presents the School Guide Edinburgh Podcast — a series of in-depth conversations with leaders from Edinburgh's top independent schools. It helps parents navigate school options and discuss the hot topics of the day. For more information, visit www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk  Get in touch  schoolguidepod@gmail.cpm Or Instagram @nurseryandschools_edinburgh Or Facebook: NurseryandSchoolGuidesEdinburgh

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    The Compass School, Haddington, Head - Mark Becher

    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

  2. Sep 30

    Merchiston Head - Huw Jones

    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

  3. Sep 23

    St George's, Edinburgh Head - Carol Chandler-Thompson

    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

  4. Sep 16

    Cargilfield Prep School Head - Colin MacIntosh

    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

  5. Sep 9

    Edinburgh Montessori Art School (EMAS) Head - Emma Rattigan

    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

  6. Sep 2

    George Heriot's Head, Gareth Warren

    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

  7. Aug 26

    Loretto School Head - Pete Richardson

    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

  8. Aug 19

    The Montessori Nursery & School Head - Trish Thornton

    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

  9. Aug 12

    Erskine Stewart Melville Head - Anthony Simpson

    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

  10. Aug 5

    Edinburgh Academy Head - Barry Welsh

    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

  11. Jul 29

    Clifton Hall School Head - Jill Drummond

    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!

  12. Jul 22

    Introducing ...School Guide, Edinburgh

    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.

  • 12 Episodes

About

The Nursery and School Guide Edinburgh Magazine presents the School Guide Edinburgh Podcast — a series of in-depth conversations with leaders from Edinburgh's top independent schools. It helps parents navigate school options and discuss the hot topics of the day. For more information, visit www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk  Get in touch  schoolguidepod@gmail.cpm Or Instagram @nurseryandschools_edinburgh Or Facebook: NurseryandSchoolGuidesEdinburgh

Information

  • Creator
    Select Publishing Ltd
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 School Guide, Edinburgh
  • Show Website
    School Guide, Edinburgh