St Mary's Music School

St Mary’s Music School is a nurturing environment dedicated to providing a world-class music and academic education. It prioritizes the development of each pupil's potential, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and commitment. The school aims to ensure that economic considerations do not limit a child's access to its specialist education.

The school offers a comprehensive academic curriculum aligned with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, alongside specialized musical training. The instrumental programme covers keyboard, strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion, while the five-year chorister programme integrates daily choral tradition with full-time academic study. Pupils also benefit from a Musicianship Skills Programme, which includes theory, aural training, and composition.

Alumni of the school pursue diverse paths, including performing with international orchestras, working in jazz or contemporary music, and becoming music educators. Many graduates continue their studies at top conservatoires, while others choose non-musical tertiary education. The school’s training is designed to equip pupils with the concentration and discipline necessary for success in any future career.

The school maintains a Support for Learning department to assist pupils with their educational needs. Guidance teachers and pastoral staff work closely with families to ensure every child is supported academically, musically, and pastorally throughout their time at the school. Small class sizes allow for individual, focused attention for all pupils.

St Mary’s Music School admits pupils based on musical potential and ability, with no requirement for religious affiliation. Applications are accepted throughout the year for instrumentalists, singers, and choristers, with no formal closing date. The school offers comprehensive financial support through the Scottish Government’s Aided Places Scheme, Cathedral Bursaries, and its own School Bursary Fund to ensure accessibility for talented pupils regardless of financial circumstances. Prospective families are encouraged to attend taster days or arrange a tour to meet staff.

The school operates on a three-term structure: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The 2025/26 academic year begins on 2 September 2025 and concludes on 23 June 2026, while the 2026/27 academic year runs from 1 September 2026 to 22 June 2027. Each term includes scheduled half-term breaks and, for the Autumn term, an exeat weekend.

Located at Coates Hall in Edinburgh, the campus serves as a dedicated centre for both musical and academic learning. The school provides specialized facilities for instrumental and vocal training, as well as access to St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral for the chorister programme. Boarding facilities are available on campus for pupils from S1 and above.

The school provides a wide range of musical enrichment, including chamber music, early music, traditional and folk music, and jazz programmes. Pupils participate in various ensembles and groups, and the school hosts an extensive outreach programme, including Saturday Music Classes for children aged 4 to 12. Additionally, the school offers summer schools, masterclasses, and an improvisation lab to further develop pupils' skills.