Discover the Top Performing Schools in Edinburgh – The Best State Schools in Edinburgh (2025 Rankings)

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Happy Friday,

If you're a parent planning your child’s education in Edinburgh – or simply someone who cares about local academic excellence – this newsletter is for you. Edinburgh is home to some of the top-performing schools in Scotland, with consistently strong academic results, impressive extracurricular offerings, and dedicated teaching staff. Here's everything you need to know about the capital’s leading schools.

The Best State Schools in Edinburgh (2025 Rankings)

Each year, The Times publishes a league table ranking Scottish secondary schools based on the percentage of pupils achieving five or more Highers – a key academic benchmark in Scotland.

Here are the top-performing non-fee-paying schools in Edinburgh this year:

1. Boroughmuir High School

• National Rank: 5th in Scotland

• High Achievers: 76% of students earned 5+ Highers

• Why It Stands Out: Consistently among Scotland's top schools, Boroughmuir is known for its excellent teaching, progressive learning environment, and recently upgraded campus in Fountainbridge.

2. The Royal High School

• National Rank: 19th

• High Achievers: 63% of pupils

• What Makes It Special: With a history dating back over 900 years, this school blends tradition with modern learning. It offers a wide curriculum, including languages, sciences, and strong support for student wellbeing.

3. James Gillespie’s High School

• National Rank: 33rd

• High Achievers: 56%

• Key Strengths: Located near The Meadows, Gillespie’s is praised for its inclusive ethos and success in arts, sciences, and humanities. It also benefits from strong community support and modern facilities.

 Top Independent Schools in Edinburgh

For those considering private education, Edinburgh is home to some of the most respected independent schools in the UK:

1. Fettes College

• Notable For: Prestigious academic results, boarding options, and alumni including former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

• Curriculum: Offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Known for strong pastoral care and leadership development.

2. The Edinburgh Academy

• Awards: Named Independent School of the Year in Scotland

• Strengths: Combines academic excellence with outstanding sports, arts, and personal development programmes.

3. St George’s School for Girls

• Why Choose It: One of Scotland’s leading all-girls schools. Focuses on empowering young women with top results in GCSEs and Highers, plus strong STEM and arts offerings.

 Warm regards,
Acropolis Diary