ESMS - Stewart's Melville College

Stewart's Melville College is an independent, non-denominational day school for boys aged 11-18 in Edinburgh.  There are approximately 740 boys, of whom about 25 are boarders. Admission is through assessment.  ESMS has a charitable foundation and provides financial assistance to over 150 bursary holders, who attend Stewart's Melville College or The Mary Erskine School.  The school has existed for more than 150 years and was voted The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2013.

The school enjoys an excellent academic reputation and prides itself on the range of musical, dramatic and other extra-curricular opportunities offered to its boys.  The playing fields and Pavilion at Inverleith underpin a fine tradition in rugby and cricket and boys also have access to the hockey pitches and other sporting facilities at The Mary Erskine School.

Stewart's Melville College is part of the ESMS family of schools and is closely twinned with The Mary Erskine School through a shared House system and co-education in many activities, including trips, shows, concerts, orchestras, bands, numerous Outdoor Education projects and in the Combined Cadet Force. The co-educational Sixth Form aims to offer a genuine pre-university experience.

Principal

Mr Anthony Simpson

Values and vision

Stewart's Melville College has nine core values that are recognised by all members of the school community: kindness, respect, commitment, enthusiasm, responsibility, grace, appreciation, confidence and integrity.

The school follows its own curriculum prior to examination years.  The Curriculum for Excellence is not followed.  Boys generally sit the public examinations prescribed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.  It is normal for boys to sit a combination of eight subjects at National 5 and to proceed to Higher courses in S5. The majority will return for a final year in Sixth Form, with a high proportion taking Advanced Highers.  ‘A’ Levels are offered in Art and in Music.

Education Scotland report

“Stewart’s Melville College provided pupils with a wide range of opportunities to reach high levels of achievement in both academic subjects and other activities, including sports and the expressive arts. Pupils, parents and staff valued these opportunities and identified strongly with the school. High expectations set for pupils were supported by very good learning and teaching experiences and, overall, pupils’ attainments were very good. The school provided a climate in which pupils were well educated to think for themselves.”

View Stewart's Melville College's latest Education Scotland report