We welcome new pupils to most year groups, with admission based upon satisfactory performance in an entrance assessment.
Nursery
Nursery places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to siblings where possible, although we cannot guarantee offers of a sibling place. We strive to achieve a gender balance.
Nursery places are allocated a year before children are due to start. Places for August 2025 have been allocated however application remains open (please contact the Admissions Office for availability).
Places for August 2026 will be allocated in September 2025.
Nursery pupils move up to the Junior School, although entry is competitive and a place in Primary 1 is not guaranteed.
Primary 1
Primary 1 is a main intake year. We use group and individual assessments lasting 30–40 minutes to determine admission. Every effort is made to ensure that children feel relaxed and enjoy the experience. Assessments take place in January before entry in August.
Primary 2
We offer a small number of places in Primary 2, with entrance assessments held in January for August entry.
Primary 3, 4 and 5
While we do not take new classes in these years, we usually offer a small number of places in each year group. Entrance assessments for the Middle Primary years (P3, P4, P5) involve tests covering English, Mathematics and Problem Solving and take place in November. Children also spend time working on group tasks and are interviewed. It is helpful if applications for entry to these years can be received by early November in the year before entry.
Primary 6 and 7
Heriot’s adds new classes in Primary 6 and Primary 7, both of which are important entry points and a good entry to build familiarisation before joining Senior School. Entrance assessments in November involve tests in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Children also spend time working on group tasks and are interviewed. It is helpful if applications for entry to these years can be received by early November in the year before entry.
Senior 1
Entrance assessments for the S1 entry are held in January. Children spend the day at Heriot’s sitting tests which cover English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Children have an opportunity to meet one another during fun group activities, as well as teaching staff and Senior School Leadership Team members during a short interview. While it is usual for candidates to feel nervous when they arrive, our aim is to ensure a fun experience, with most enjoying the day – especially the group activities.
Senior 2, 3 and 5
Heriot’s welcomes applications for Senior 3 and Senior 5 and can occasionally offer places in Senior 2. For curricular reasons, we do not admit new pupils to Senior 4.
Applicants sit papers which cover English, Mathematics and Reasoning and meet with members of staff for a short interview and to discuss their curricular needs. Entrance Assessments for Senior 2, 3 and 5 take place in December before the year of entry.
Senior 6
New pupils can join in Senior 6, which Heriot’s does differently to other schools, with a key focus on developing independence and a dedicated careers department to support UCAS applications. Entry is by interview with the Principal/Head of Senior School and a member of the Pastoral Care Team.
Application to Senior 6 can be made at any stage, subject to space availability. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
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Join us on the 27 September to see George Heriot’s in full swing.
Meet teachers, explore academic departments, hear the pipe band, watch activities, and hear from school leaders.
Importantly, hear why your investment in a Heriot’s education will give your child strong foundations for life.