Two of Scotland’s leading single-sex secondary schools have announced that they will merge into one fully co-educational institution.
Stewart’s Melville College - an all boy school - and The Mary Erskine School - an all girls school- will become a single, co-educational school from the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
The new School, which also includes the ESMS Junior School, will then be named Erskine Stewart Melville, and be located at the current Stewart’s Melville site on Queensferry Road.
Once opened it will have more than 2500 pupils.
Anthony Simpson, Principal of Erskine Stewart Melville, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the School. As we look to the future, this new simplified structure will enable us to broaden the curriculum and create a more inclusive environment that reflects the modern world.
“Our current schools are fantastic, inspiring excellent exam results every year and offering an extensive range of co-curricular activities. As we move to a fully co-educational model, our primary focus will remain unchanged – to provide a world-class education that will give our students the skills and mindset they need to thrive.”
The decision by the School followed a comprehensive review of its operations, including a thorough assessment of the curriculum, co-curricular opportunities, wellbeing provision and operational efficiency.
The news comes months after The Herald reported two private schools in the country were to close.
Kilgraston boarding school in Perthshire, Scotland's only catholic boarding school held its final classes on 24 June, while Cedars School in Greenock closed at the end of August this summer.
Staff and parents at Cedars school said they struggled with the cost implications of Labour’s VAT policy, which has been a decision making factor in Stewart’s Melville College and The Mary Erskine School joining forces.
READ MORE:
- Scotland's only Catholic boarding school to close at end of term
- Scottish private school to close as VAT plans push up costs
- Lessons to Learn - Is closure of two private schools something to worry about?
Mr Simpson continued: “The new structure is far more efficient, and beyond unavoidable VAT increases, it will help us to limit substantial fee rises. Crucially, it will also enable us to continue investing in innovative teaching and learning.”
Both schools already operate in part as a co-educational (diamond) model, with the junior school and sixth forms delivering the curriculum in this way. Once the transition takes place, all parts will become a simplified, single structure, operating as one school throughout every year group.
While the main school is situated on Queensferry Road, the Junior School will be located on the Ravelston site.
When it opens in 2026, it will leave just three single-sex schools left in Scotland.
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