Education Scotland has carried out a whole school Inspection of George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh and the results, released in June 2024, confirm the School’s sector-leading standard across both Junior and Senior Schools. School inspectors assess schools against four quality indicators, with 6 being the highest grade awarded.
Heriot’s is delighted to announce it received a rating of 6 (excellent) for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion for children and young people.
‘The wellbeing of children, young people, their families and staff is at the heart of all actions across the school. Children are empowered to be agents of change as they are proud to be part of a highly inclusive environment. Innovative approaches to promoting inclusion and equality is an outstanding aspect of the School’s work. All children and young people demonstrate exemplary behaviour; they are polite, confident and highly engaged in all aspects of their learning’. Education Scotland.
Heriot’s also received a rating of 6 (excellent) for raising attainment and achievement.
‘In the Junior School, children’s attainment in literacy and numeracy is outstanding. Children across the Junior School demonstrate a love of reading.
(In the Senior School) ‘young people’s overall attainment in their National Qualifications is outstanding.
‘Children and young people are thriving and developing an extensive range of communication, teamwork and leadership skills through their participation and contribution to a highly commendable co-curricular programme’.
Teaching, learning and assessment received a rating of 5 (very good) from the Inspection team, as did Leadership of change.
‘Children and young people contribute confidently to class discussions and share their ideas and responses readily with others.’
‘Children in the Junior School value the importance staff place on their opinions, ideas and suggestions.’
‘Teachers in the Senior School use a wide range of engaging, real life contexts to enhance learning experiences for young people. This includes visits to local museums, field work in the school grounds, and other engaging practical activities.’
’Children and young people are highly motivated and have a great respect for learning. They are proud of their school and enjoy positive relationships with staff and their peers. George Heriot’s School was established to provide education to ‘faitherless bairns’ from the City of Edinburgh. This ethos, philanthropy and philosophy continue to remain the foundation of the Heriot’s community. Since its inception, George Heriot’s charitable foundation has provided free education to over 5,500 children and young people who have lost a parent.’
‘The School’s founding motto of ‘I Distribute Chearfullie’ is evident across the work of Heriot’s and defines its charitable purpose. The school community demonstrates kindness, care, compassion and respect very well. Heriot’s is a welcoming, warm, and inclusive environment for learning’.
Principal Gareth Warren stated, ‘the grades awarded for the four Quality Indicators (the focus of the inspectors’ visit) are an excellent set of results. They confirm that Heriot’s provides a leading Scottish education. Our focus is on equipping our young people to go out into the world with the skills and qualifications required for them to flourish and succeed’.
The full Inspection Report can be found on the Education Scotland website:
Education Scotland | Education Scotland
Mr Gareth Warren
Principal
