Formed in 1998, from the merger of St Margaret with St Denis and Cranley, both schools founded in the latter half of the 19th century. Set in pleasant surroundings of south central Edinburgh, the school houses are within a quarter of a mile of each other. The nursery and preparatory departments are combined. Comfortable boarding accommodation is provided. A limited amount of religious worship is compulsory. It is committed to single-gender education for girls and the development of girls as individuals. The teaching and overall facilities are very good. Academic standards are high and examination results are good. Some vocational qualifications are also offered. The music, drama and art departments are very strong indeed. The school also has a good reputation in sports and games and has a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. The school also runs a pre-school centre for children aged 3 months to 5 years for 50 weeks a year, together with care before and after school and a holiday club.

Pupils: Total age range 3 months-18; 580 pupils, 568 day (50 boys, 518 girls), 12 boarding girls. Senior department 11-18, 300 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 12 and 16. Own entrance exam used (plus interview and school references). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% senior intake, very few into the sixth form. Own prep department provides over 40% senior intake.

Scholarships, value up to 30% of fees: academic, art, drama, music and sport (awarded at 11). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Principal: Mrs Eileen Davis, appointed 2001. Previously Deputy Head at St George's School, Edinburgh. Also Executive Member of HAS. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 20 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

S-grade: 37 in fourth year: 60% pass in 7+ subjects; 10% in 5à subjects. Highers: 41 in fifth year: 51% passed in 5+ subjects, 34% in 3 subjects. Advanced highers: 30 in sixth year: Many took Highers as well as, or instead of, Advanced highers.

94% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 12% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 22% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 32% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 19% in other vocational subjects eg agriculture, business studies. Others typically go on to other courses or careers eg nursing, physiotherapy or sports science.

S-grade, Highers, Advanced highers. 24 subjects offered. 56% take science Advanced highers; 44% arts/humanities. Vocational: Work experience for S4 and S5; presentation skills seminar; also SQA national units in a range of subjects eg art, business studies, computing, home economics, photography, theatre arts. Special provision: Learning support; exam dispensations for dyslexics; EFL lessons. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to S-grade, Higher and Advanced higher (either French or German from age 5). Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 120+ computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), 40 networked and 48 with email and internet access.

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 11 musical groups including 6 choir groups, 2 wind, orchestra, junior strings, recorder, jazz group. Junior choir won national final of Saltire Society of Scotland Choral Competition; senior choir 3rd prize at Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Drama: Drama offered at S-grade and Higher. Some pupils are involved in school productions, the majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 6 take portfolio art, plus SQA units in drawing. Design, pottery, jewellery, photography also offered.

Sport: Swimming, gymnastics, dance, netball, hockey, badminton, rounders, tennis, athletics compulsory. Optional: aerobics, keep fit, skiing, judo, fencing. Sixth form only: golf, squash, self-defence. Community sports leader award. Scottish representatives in hockey, lacrosse, squash, fencing, tennis, skiing. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg sports, musical, drama, history, debating, wildlife, French, video, art, country dancing, gym, swimming.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School prefects. School Council and Pupil Council. Religion: Christian. Compulsory assembly and church on Sunday for boarders under 16. Social: Reel club, debates, productions with other local boys' schools. Trips of various kinds including hockey and skiing trips to France and Germany. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.

Emphasis on self-discipline and on high standards of behaviour and courtesy in a caring environment.