Founded in 1741, the George Watson's Boys' College was amalgamated with George Watson's Ladies College in 1974. Its impressive buildings are very well equipped with modern facilities; they stand on a campus, which includes the playing fields, to the south of the city centre. The school has a distinguished record of achievement and academic standards are high. Most of the pupils are local. Its declared objectives are to develop happy and motivated young people, who are eager to learn and achieve - thus enabling them to live their lives to the full, to understand the world they live in, to be active in serving other people and to commit themselves to causes with open-eyed and critical awareness. There is great emphasis on pastoral care and on the personal and social education programme. There are immensely strong music, drama, art and technology departments involving a large number of pupils. A wide variety of sports and games is available (including curling) and high standards are achieved (a very large number of county and international representatives). There are many clubs and societies and a big commitment to local community schemes. Considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits and much use is made of the fine opportunities which Scotland provides. The record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is outstanding and its Pipes and Drums are very successful.

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 2298 day pupils (1215 boys, 1083 girls). Senior department 12-18, 1319 pupils (695 boys, 624 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements. Many pupils from own junior school (enquiries to the Admissions Secretary, tel 0131 446 6035, email jsadmissions@gwc.org.uk)

11 pa scholarships, 25%-50% of fees. Maximum of 20 pa Foundation bursaries, up to 100% of fees. Parents expected to buy textbooks in senior school only.

25+% are doctors, lawyers, etc, 15% in education, 15+% in industry or commerce. 50+% live within 3 miles.

Principal: Gareth Edwards, appointed 2001. Educated at Tudor Grange Grammar School, Solihull 6th Form College and Oxford University (literae humaniores). Previously Rector and Principal at Morrison's Academy; Vice Principal of Newcastle under Lyme and Head of Classics at Bolton (Boys). Also Governor of SCIS. Teaching staff: 171 full time, 18 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 43.

S-grades: On average, 220 in S-grade year. Highers: 224 in Higher year: 46% pass in 5+ subjects; 33% in 4; 17% in 3 subjects. Advanced higher: 190 in Advanced higher year: 2% pass in 4+ subjects; 21% in 3; 25% in 2; and 24% in 1 subject. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 460.

83% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge, 77% to Scottish universities. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 21% in science and engineering, 62% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 3% in drama and acting. Others typically go on to non-degree courses (eg business), into careers (eg finance) or to art/drama colleges.

S-grade, Intermediate 1 and 2, Highers and Advanced Highers; also GCSE art, AS and A-level art and music. Most highers are taken in the fifth year; however some are taken in sixth year in addition to, or instead of, Advanced Highers. 38% take science Advanced Highers, 42% arts/humanities; 20% both. Vocational: Extensive work experience available. Special provision: Highly specialised learning support department for pupils with specific learning difficulties including dyslexia; EFL teaching. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Russian offered to Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher; Italian to Intermediate 2 and Higher; Chinese to Intermediate 2. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). Attendance at Youth Parliament in Strasbourg. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research via internet. 720 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Usually 20 musical groups including several orchestras, choirs, jazz band, string quartets. Drama and dance: Drama offered; S-grade, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher drama may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school and other productions. Some pupils accepted for drama school. Art and design: On average, 60 pupils take GCSE, 50 AS-level, 25 A-level. Pupils accepted for art college.

Sport: Angling, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, curling, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, orienteering, rowing, rugby, sailing, skiing, squash, table tennis, tennis and volleyball available. Intermediate 2 and Higher PE may be taken. Regional and national representatives at a variety of sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Scout and guide groups. Over 30 clubs ranging from debating and role playing to photography and drama.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Office bearers, head boy and girl, head of house, team leders - all recommended by pupils and appointed by Principal. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Co-operation with other Merchant Company schools (Stewart's Melville, Mary Erskine) and other state and independent schools. Exchanges with France, Germany, Spain, Italy, South Africa, United States; and many other organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop sells second-hand clothing. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once usually asked to do it within 24 hours; repeated offences incur a 'conduct support sheet'. Parents of those caught taking or supplying drugs on the premises would be asked to withdraw the pupil.

is run by Development Office at the school.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, Sir David Steel, Chris Smith MP (politicians); Gavin Hastings, Scott Hastings and Jason White (rugby); Alison Kinnaird (clarsach); Eric Anderson (Eton College); Graham and Martin Bell (skiers); Magda Sweetland (novelist); Lord Mackay; Sheena MacDonald,à Martha Kearney (broadcasters); Chris Hoy (Olympic Gold cyclist).