A fully co-ed school from 2026

Earlier this year, we unveiled our exciting new vision for the future — one that will reshape the educational experience we provide, ensuring our students have everything they need to flourish in an ever-evolving world. With this roadmap in place, we are thrilled to announce a significant step forward: in August 2026, we will unite as one fully co-educational school.

The new School, which includes ESMS Nursery and Junior School, The Mary Erskine School and Stewart’s Melville College will be called Erskine Stewart Melville from the 2026/27 academic year.

This decision is driven by three objectives: to enhance the educational opportunities we offer our students, to establish a more inclusive community that reflects the modern world and to create a more financially efficient structure that is fit for the future. Our priority is and always will be our students and the fantastic experiences they gain through an education at our School.

To ensure a seamless transition for students and staff, we will introduce the new school in two years’ time. From August 2026, Erskine Stewart Melville Nursery and Junior School will find its home at our Ravelston site, and Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School will be located on our Queensferry Road site.

Anthony Simpson, Principal of Erskine Stewart Melville, says:

“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 diamond structure has served our students well since it was introduced 25 years ago but we have never been a school that stood still and now it is time to look to the future. The new model will significantly enhance the education we offer our students, with a broader curriculum, an enhanced wellbeing programme and even more opportunities for personal development.

The new School name, Erskine Stewart Melville, honours the original founders of the School and its new logo borrows heraldry from each of the schools.