A new co-educational school has officially opened, bringing together three historic schools under one name.
Erskine Stewart Melville in Edinburgh now unites The Mary Erskine School, Stewart’s Melville College and ESMS Junior School into a single community, serving more than 2,200 pupils aged three to 18.
The newly combined school welcomed students for the first time today, August 24.
The launch follows a period of substantial investment in new facilities across both campuses.
Senior school pupils now have access to a new wellbeing hub, enhanced music facilities, a gym and fitness suite, an extended library, and a science, innovation and technology centre.
Junior school children will benefit from specialist design and technology rooms, drama studios, art spaces, and a planned new playground.
All students will wear a new uniform reflecting the school’s updated identity.
At the junior level, all pupils are now based on the Ravelston campus, giving them access to more than 40 acres of outdoor space and specialist facilities.
The senior school is now fully based on the Queensferry Road campus and builds on an already established tradition of co-educational learning in S6 and through shared activities.
The school’s heritage dates back to 1694, making it one of Scotland’s oldest educational institutions.
Recent developments include the Melville Wellbeing Hub, keyboard labs, a recording studio, a new gym, and the S6 Centre.
Anthony Simpson, principal of Erskine Stewart Melville, said: "At a time when the independent sector faces considerable challenges, this is a story of strength, stability and confidence in the future.
"By bringing together two of Scotland's most successful and respected schools, we are securing our future by significantly investing in the education, wellbeing and opportunities available to every child and young person in our care.
"This is not about leaving our past behind.
"It is about taking the very best of The Mary Erskine School and Stewart's Melville College and bringing those strengths together to create an even stronger educational experience."
