George Heriot’s provides an all-through 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 entrance 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 are currently open for entry in 2026/27. Please contact the Admissions team for details.
Entrance assessments usually 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 2027/28 entry assessments are as follows:
Primary 1: Saturday 16 January 2027 (additional weekday dates may be available by agreement)
Primary 2: By individual appointment during January 2027
Primary 3 – 5: Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 November 2026
Primary 6: Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 17 November 2026
Primary 7: Thursday 12 and Thursday 19 November 2026
Senior 1: Wednesday 13 January 2027
Senior 2 – 5: Friday 11 December 2026
Senior 1-5 Wash-up: Wednesday 20 January 2027.
Alternative dates will be arranged for those applying after the dates listed above.
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: To be confirmed, likely early February 2027
Primary 2 – 7: Posting date week commencing Monday 7 December 2026; by email the following day
Senior 1: To be confirmed, likely early February 2027
Senior 2-5: To be confirmed, likely early February 2027
Senior 6: Posting date: after interview
Acceptance Deadlines
Primary 1 – 7: To be confirmed, likely late February 2027
Senior 1-5: To be confirmed, likely late February 2027
Senior 6: Posting date: After interview
Closing date for acceptance of place: To be confirmed, likely late February 2027
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.
