In this episode 6, I sit down with the incredibly personable Gareth Warren, Principal at George Heriot's. Once again, I put the same core questions to him — giving you the perfect opportunity to contrast and compare Heriot's with the other schools featured in this series.

Gareth talks about his own path into education and the experiences that shaped him, shares the values that drive him as a school leader, and gives us a real sense of the 'Heriot's Ethos' — and what it truly means to be a pupil there.

He also enlightens us on the breadth of after-school and extracurricular activities on offer; some of which might surprise parents.

Heriot's boasts a proud academic record, so I ask Gareth how the school navigates the weight of that reputation while still protecting pupil well-being — a balancing act every parent will appreciate.

For those already thinking ahead to assessment days, Gareth shares his best advice for parents whose children are preparing to sit the entrance test.

We also dive into the "Heriot's Ambition," launched in 2025, plus we explore how the foundation — alongside other bursaries — supports families who need financial help with fees.

Finally, Gareth gives us a clear picture of what parents can expect at the forthcoming Open Day on 26th September.

Find out more about George Heriot's at: www.george-heriots.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 5 is the first conversation in our series with the head of a boarding school.

Pete Richardson is Head of Loretto School, a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, with nursery provision. Located in Musselburgh, East Lothian, just outside Edinburgh, Loretto has fewer than 500 pupils and offers outstanding facilities, including a first-class Golf Academy. The school follows the English curriculum and exam system.

In this episode, we discover how Pete first became interested in teaching and hear about his career before joining Loretto. We also discuss his leadership style, his core values, and how these are woven into the ethos of the school.

Pete’s family is very much part of school life, including his wife. They were both born in South Africa, and I could honestly have listened to his lovely accent all day.

Loretto is one of the few schools in Scotland that follows the English curriculum, so we explore what that means for pupils when it comes to exams. As Loretto is also a boarding school, I asked Pete about the benefits of boarding and discovered that the school offers families the opportunity to try boarding before making a longer-term commitment. We also discuss flexi-boarding options, as well as places for day pupils.

Finally, we talk about the format of Loretto’s Senior School Open Day, taking place on 26 September.

Pete’s warmth and kindness come across so clearly throughout the podcast. I would highly recommend listening to this episode to find out whether Loretto should be on your Open Day list.

Find out more about Loretto at: www.loretto.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here:

www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk

Episode 4 offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Montessori Nursery and School in Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

The nursery welcomes children from age 2.5, with the primary school catering for ages 6–12.

In 25 years of publishing the Nursery and School Guide magazine, this is the conversation that finally gave me a true understanding of how the Montessori method compares to mainstream education.

If you're in the early stages of choosing a nursery or early years setting in Edinburgh, listen to this episode from start to finish — it will open your eyes to another wonderful option, especially for families on the north or west side of the city.

We also discuss the upcoming Open Day on Saturday 26th September, so if this episode sparks your interest, you can see it for yourself.

Learn more about The Montessori Nursery and Primary School in Edinburgh:

https://www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

Get in touch with the podcast here: schoolguidepod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

Log in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here:

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmag

And read our blog here:

https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk