George Heriot’s has been recognised and accredited for its hard work, which directly reflects the ethos of George Heriot and is the embodiment of the school motto, I Distribute Chearfullie
Refined over 400 years of educating Scotland’s children, George Heriot’s School delivers quality in its teaching and learning. We take the core components of the Curriculum for Excellence and infuse them with academic rigour, a Rights Respecting charter and our gold standard, award-winning approach to teaching Philosophy.
This educational blend demarks our school: last year Heriot’s was voted The Sunday Times ‘Scottish Independent School of the Decade’ and in 2021 we were awarded ‘Independent School of the Year’ by Independent School Parent Magazine from a field of 700 UK schools.
Heriot’s is pleased to have been awarded:
“While its academic performance is exceptional, falling outside our top three only twice in the past decade, George Heriot’s determination to give something back contributes significantly to its designation as our Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Decade.” To read the full article from the Sunday Times, click here
We are delighted to have been awarded Independent School of the Year 2021 and Co-educational Independent School of the Year from over 700 schools, as voted by the Independent School Parent magazine. When presenting the award, the Independent School Parent judges stated: “Heriot’s is a School that exemplifies the pioneering and generous spirit of independent education.”
Heriot’s started working towards the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award in 2012 and became the first independent school in the UK to win the Gold level of the Award in 2015. Since then, the school has been reaccredited with Gold every three years. The Rights Respecting Schools Group – led by pupils – continues to be active in promoting children’s rights, both in school and as part of wider initiatives. View our School Rights Respecting Charter
“At Heriot’s, we are not only listened to, but we are respected. We have made so many changes and together we will keep going to make it the best school”.
“The Eco-Schools programme engages children and young people in key issues including the environment, sustainability, global citizenship and the value of a low carbon future.”
The aim of the Environmental Review is to help the Eco Committee get a clear view of the current environmental state of the whole school. It is completed by the Eco Committee with the help of other members of the school community. It will help to identify where improvements can be made and will be the main tool to help the Eco Committee decide which topics should be part of the school’s Action Plan.
At George Heriot’s, Philosophy is taught from Nursery to Primary 7 using the P4C method and many parents have attended our workshops to develop their own philosophical thinking. We are delighted to be a leader nationally in this subject and are the only school in Scotland to have achieved a Gold Award from the SAPERE organisation, which recognises the high standard of teaching and participation in this subject.
The school had to submit evidence of how democracy and the UK Parliament is promoted within Citizenship lessons and a comprehensive folder of lesson plans & resources were sent to the UK Parliament for review. A key feature in the evidence was the term 3 liaison project between S1-3 registration classes and P1-7 classes in which S1-3 pupils led a democracy-themed activity with a Junior School class.
Edinburgh Young Carers is delighted to confirm that the We Care Panel has granted George Heriot’s School the We Care: Schools for Young Carers Recognising Award!
We Care recognises and rewards good practice in identifying and supporting young carers in schools across Scotland, and we are pleased that George Heriot’s have achieved this award, as part the first cohort of schools across the country. We Recognise is the beginning of a journey to improve young carer experiences in school.
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.