As one of the leading torch bearers of the European Enlightenment, Edinburgh has long been the dux of the class when it comes to education, and the city’s many beautiful schools are a reflection of this privileged status.
Boasting the likes of Fettes and George Heriot’s, Merchiston Castle and Stewart’s Melville, the sheer number of beautiful school buildings in Edinburgh is quite staggering. Is there another city in the world that can even come close? We don’t think so.
We take a look at a dozen examples that prove Edinburgh has the finest-looking schools in the world.
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9. Boroughmuir High School (former)
Built in 1913, the former Boroughmuir High School was occupied for more than a century until its replacement in 2018 when the school relocated to Fountainbridge. The former school building has since been transformed into luxury flats. Photo: JON SAVAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
10. Old Royal High School
Thomas Hamilton's neoclassical masterpiece was completed in 1829 on the southern face of Calton Hill and fully merits its lofty position. Although no longer a school, a campaign to prevent the vacant building from being transformed into a hotel and instead become a new national music school continues to make its voice heard. Photo: Neil Hanna
11. Fettes College
Founded in 1870, Fettes College is one of Scotland's best-known private schools and easily one of the most impressive architecturally. Former pupils include ex-Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, and, on a fictional level at least, Agent 007, James Bond, who in Ian Fleming's books was sent there from Eton. Photo: Phil Wilkinson
12. Bruntsfield Primary School
Hewn from attractive red sandstone, Bruntsfield is a handsome primary school dating from the 1890s. Photo: Andrew O'Brien