Merger sees Edinburgh private schools 'protected for the future'
The school has become one of the largest in the UK thanks to the merger
The merger of two of Scotland’s oldest private schools will protect them for generations to come, the new institution’s leaders have claimed.
More than 2,200 pupils started lessons on Monday at the newly created Erskine Stewart Melville schools.
The Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College and ESMS Junior School have united under one shared institution for children aged three to 18.
Principal Anthony Simpson said: "At a time when the independent sector faces considerable challenges, this is a story of strength, stability and confidence in the future.
“By bringing together two of Scotland's most successful and respected schools, we are securing our future by significantly investing in the education, wellbeing and opportunities available to every child and young person in our care.”
The merger unites 330 years of educational experience and comes as fee-paying schools face significant financial pressures.
Erskine Stewart Melville has invested in new facilities, including a new Wellbeing Hub, enhanced music facilities including a keyboard lab and recording studio, a new gym and fitness suite, an extended library space, a new S6 hub, and a Science, Innovation and Technology Centre.
Junior School children will now also have access to specialist facilities, including dedicated design and technology spaces, drama studios and art rooms, and plans for a new playground are under way.
Students will also wear a new uniform.
At the Junior School, the move brings together all children on the Ravelston campus with access to outdoor space and specialist facilities.
Mike Kane, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School, added: "The creation of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School on a single campus gives us a truly unique educational offering in the heart of Edinburgh.
"Our children benefit from more than 40 acres of grounds and outdoor learning space, creating extraordinary opportunities for exploration, creativity and play.
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"Just as importantly, we can now design an ambitious curriculum that makes full use of the outstanding facilities available across the wider school.”
The opening of the Senior School on the Queensferry Road campus brings together students who are already familiar with learning alongside one another through a well-established co-educational S6 and programme of shared activities.
Frances McCrudden, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School, said: "For many of our students, learning side by side is already a familiar experience.
“Through our co-educational S6 and the many twinned activities that have taken place across both schools for years, strong friendships and connections already exist.
“This transition allows us to build on those foundations while creating a truly united Senior School community.
"At the same time, we have continued to invest in the environment in which our students learn and thrive.
“The new Melville Wellbeing Hub at Dean Park House provides dedicated support for wellbeing, while our new gym and Science, Innovation and Technology Centre create exciting opportunities for learning, innovation and personal development.”
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Ms McCrudden added that the school is now focused on ensuring students leave “with the knowledge, skills, resilience and confidence they need for the future”.
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