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What it's like

Founded in 1628 by George Heriot, an Edinburgh jeweller, banker and goldsmith, for the fatherless sons of burgesses. It became a day school in 1896 and co-educational in 1979. The school occupies elegant buildings and fine grounds in the centre of Edinburgh. The original building has been preserved and comprises the chapel, council room, common room, classrooms and school offices. There has been a succession of developments producing excellent facilities, most recently an ICT resource centre, junior and nursery school buildings and a library and music suite. Non-denominational, Heriot's is deeply rooted in the Scottish tradition and its pupils come from far afield and from a wide variety of social backgrounds. It consistently produces very good results. Music and drama flourish. The playing fields are at Goldenacre. Virtually all sports and games are available and high standards are achieved (regular representatives at regional and national level). Some 50 clubs and societies cater for an unusually wide range of extra-curricular activities. There is much emphasis on outdoor pursuits, a fine record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and a well-developed guidance system.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1600 day pupils (879 boys, 721 girls). Senior department 12-18, 962 pupils (531 boys, 431 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, interview and examination results. No special skills or religious requirements. 20% of senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries

Up to 10 pa academic scholarships at 11, value 33%-50% of fees. Also foundation places for children of Edinburgh widows; large number of bursaries. Parents expected to buy senior school textbooks.

Parents

15+% in education; 15+% are doctors, lawyers etc; 15+% in industry or commerce.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Alistair Hector, in post from 1998. Teaching staff: 124 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 40.

Exam results

Highers: On average, 155 in Higher year: 68% pass in 5+ subjects; 15% in 4 subjects. Advanced Highers: 137 in Advanced Higher year.

University & college entrance

96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (6% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 24% in science and engineering, 57% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design. Small numbers go on to non-degree courses or employment.

Curriculum

S-grade, Intermediate 2, Highers and Advanced Highers. 33 subjects offered. 50% take science based Highers, 50% take arts and humanities. Vocational: Work experience for all pupils in S4 and S5. Special provision: for dyslexia. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at S-grade, Higher and Advanced Highers; also Italian S-grade and Higher; some Chinese and Russian. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). School attracts families of foreign diplomats, encourages exchanges etc. Strong International Club invites speakers eg MEP. ICT: 340 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; also 70 laptops.

The arts

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12+ musical groups including orchestras, concert band, junior band, swing band, saxophone group, several choirs. Drama: Strong extra-curricular drama; also offered to S-grade, Higher and Advanced Higher. Various school productions. Art and design: Drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design, ceramics, photography offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket for boys; hockey for girls; also athletics, cross-country, badminton, curling, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, fencing, lacrosse, rowing, dance. Regular representation at national and regional level in a variety of sports. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (bronze, silver and gold), CCF and excellent community service programme. Over 50 clubs, eg Scripture Union, eco-club, mountain biking, debating (very successful: won Observer Mace 3 times).

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School captains and prefects elected jointly by pupils and staff, house captains by upper school. Religion: Regular morning assembly with charitable service thrust. Social: Inter-school sporting, musical, debating events. Many organised trips abroad eg to USA, Spain, France, Germany, South Africa; orchestra tours; work experience abroad encouraged. Meals self-service; tuck shop.

Discipline

Counselling, written exercise, afternoon/Saturday detention or suspension, depending on offence.

Former pupils

Lord Mackay (former Lord Chancellor); several Lord Provosts of Edinburgh; former Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police; Robert Urquhart, Ken Stott, Paul Young (actors); James Thomson (restaurateur); Sir William Ryrie (World Bank); Professor Norman Dott; many well-known sporting figures including Kenneth Scotland, Andrew Irvine, Iain and Kenneth Milne, Douglas Walker and George Goddard.