George Heriot’s provides a full education from age 4 to 18, with most children joining us in Primary 1, Primary 6, Primary 7 or Senior 1. George Heriot’s is a selective school – admission is based on performance in an entry assessment.
The school considers applications for places in other years including Senior 6. For curricular reasons, we do not admit new pupils to Senior 4. Entrance assessments are age-appropriate, with every effort made to ensure that children feel relaxed and enjoy the experience.
As a day school, Heriot’s has a diverse pupil population and accepts applications from families across the globe who decide to make Edinburgh their base. Heriot’s does not accept applications from those applying for a Tier 4/Student visa; we can only accept international pupils if they are cited as a dependant(s) on their parents’ visa or have leave to remain in the UK. International applicants applying for entry to P6 or above who do not have English as their first language, are required to have completed the Cambridge A2 Key for Schools qualification; a copy of the certificate should be provided with their application.
The Nursery accepts children for their pre-school year and places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to siblings where possible. Places are allocated in September of the year before entry. We cannot guarantee that siblings will be offered a place, however a sibling application received well in advance can help. While it is hoped that Nursery pupils will move up to the Junior School, a place in Primary 1 is not guaranteed.
Applications for Primary 1 to Primary 7 must be made by 15 November and for Senior 1 to Senior 5 must be made by 1 December for entry the following August. We will accept late applications only if we have spaces; a limited number of spaces are available in the Junior School for session 2025/26. Please contact the Admissions team for details admissions@george-heriots.com or 0131 221 6709. Please contact Admissions prior to submitting a late application. Applications for Senior 6 can be made after this date, subject to space availability.
Entrance assessments take place from November to January, depending on entry point. An acceptance fee of £360 (including VAT) is payable to secure a place offered at Heriot’s for P1-S6, and £300 for the Nursery.
Dates for session 2026/27 entry assessments are as follows:
Primary 1: Saturday 17 January 2026 (additional weekday dates may be available by agreement)
Primary 2: By individual appointment during January 2026
Primary 3 – 5: Wednesday 12 and Wednesday 19 November 2025
Primary 6: Thursday 13 and Thursday 20 November 2025
Primary 7: Tuesday 11 and Tuesday 18 November 2025
Senior 1: Wednesday 14 January 2026
Senior 2 – 5: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Our offer dates and acceptance deadlines are made by agreement with other Edinburgh independent schools, meaning that no school can pressurise a family to accept a place before the acceptance deadline.
Offers:
Primary 1: Posting date Monday 2 February 2026, Tuesday 3 February 2026 by email
Primary 2 – 7: Posting date week commencing Monday 8 December 2025; by email the following day
Senior 1: Thursday 5 February 2026 by post, Friday 6 February by email
Senior 2-5: Thursday 5 February by post, Friday 6 February by email
Senior 6: Posting date: after interview
Acceptance Deadlines
Primary 1 – 7: Monday 23 February 2026
Senior 1-5: Thursday 26 February 2026
Senior 6: Posting date: After interview
Closing date for acceptance of place: Outlined with the offer but not before Thursday 26 February 2026.
Foundation applicants and siblings of current pupils are understandably given priority where possible, however please note that offers of places will only be made to those children who meet the entry standard.
Applicants with specific educational needs will be treated sensitively and the input of the Support for Learning Department will be sought. Please ensure that you have provided the Admissions office with all relevant reports and information.
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.
