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 is happy to consider 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. Please note 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 and 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. Please contact the Admissions Office 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 £300 is payable to secure a place offered at Heriot’s. For those entering P1-S6 VAT or other tax/levy will be charged in addition to the stated Acceptance Fee in accordance with applicable government legislation.
Our offer dates and acceptance deadlines are made by agreement with other Edinburgh independent schools.
Dates for session 2025/26 entry are as follows:
Assessments:
Primary 1 – Saturday 18 January 2025 (additional weekday dates may be available by agreement)
Primary 2 – By individual appointment during January 2025
Primary 3 to 7 – Saturday 9 November 2024 plus additional dates noted below
Primary 3 to 5 – Thursday 14 and Wednesday 20 November 2024
Primary 6 – Wednesday 13 and Thursday 21 November 2024
Primary 7 – Tuesdays 12 and 19 November 2024
Senior 1 – Wednesday 15 January 2025
Senior 2 to 5 – Wednesday 22 January 2025
Offers:
Primary 1 Monday 3 February 2025 by post, Tuesday 4 February 2025 by email
Primary 2 -7 Week commencing Monday 9 December 2024 by post, followed by an email the day after
Senior School Thursday 6 February 2025 by post, Friday 7 February by email
Acceptance Deadlines
Primary 1 – 7 Monday 24 February 2025
Senior 1-5 Thursday 27 February 2025
Senior 6
Posting date: After interview
Closing date for acceptance of place: Outlined with the offer but not before Thursday 27 February 2025.
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.