the edinburgh academy
International value proposition
ENTER
Grounded in Scotland,
Founded in 1824 by Royal Charter, the Edinburgh Academy has been at the heart of a Scottish tradition of innovation and achievement at the highest level for nearly two hundred years. On entering the Academy, our students become members of a special community—the Academicals, which provides a natural and enduring framework of mutual support for a lifetime.
Barry Welsh, Rector
Celebrating 200 Years of Innovation
The Academical and nineteenth century physicist who was Einstein’s inspiration, James Clerk Maxwell gives his name to our Science Centre. By 2024 this already impressive building will be physically linked to our library to form a unique series of learning spaces. These ‘Learning Commons’ symbolise the connected and collaborative nature of modern learning, research and creative thinking, across the complete academic spectrum. Designing and building ‘The Commons’ is a fitting project to mark our Bicentennial, and one that we are confident will inspire new global centres of learning around the world as the Academy moves into its next two hundred years.
Above: Visualisation of the STEM Hub, the multidisciplinary learning space in the new Learning Commons block.
EA Spotlight
Final few steps to the summit of Mount Everest.
Before joining the Academy, Rector Barry Welsh (EA 2017–present) taught at some of the most prestigious independent schools in the world including Fettes College, Harrow and Shawnigan Lake School. A keen mountaineer and a firm believer in all forms of outdoor education, he exemplified EA’s motto ‘Always Excel’ by climbing Mount Everest in 2006. ‘I learned from an early age that humans are capable of achieving the most amazing things. I was always inspired as a youngster by my teachers to give things a go and challenge myself. Finding myself on Everest’s summit was simply the result of those valuable life-lessons. Leading a school, therefore, with ‘Always Excel’ as its motto always makes me smile!’
5
7
1
4
6
3
2
The Learning Commons The Lecture / Presentation Theatre The New Library The STEM Hub Science Laboratory (×3) The Atrium The James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre
Science Laboratory (x3)
Ready for the World
The Learning Commons
The Lecture / Presentation Theatre
The New Library
The STEM Hub
The Atrium
The James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre
Learning at Edinburgh Academy
As a K–12 co-educational school, the Edinburgh Academy provides consistency and stability all the way through a child’s educational journey.
Modern careers rarely follow a linear pathway, and a wide breadth of experience and expertise are needed to excel. Edinburgh Academy students succeed because they are well-rounded, flexible, can adapt and have the resilience to push their limits. Building on the legacy of Scottish innovation, our aim is to release the potential of all our students by actively challenging them to understand the world and then change it. This is the ethos we want to bring to a new international school. We prize high standards of scholarship and provide a challenging curriculum that stretches the abilities of all, proudly offering the Scottish Baccalaureate to extend our most able students. Personal attention and flexible approaches to learning, mentoring and pastoral care put the child at the centre of all we do. Our active and engaged Careers Department helps our students make the transition to the university of their choice. Behind it all, our digital learning infrastructure, supported by Apple certified teachers, provides a virtual learning environment that keeps teachers, students and parents connected.
The Academy Advantage
“My advice to anyone joining the Academy is to get involved with school life as much as you can, as you are able to meet new people, have fun, and step out of your comfort zone.” — Kate Shannon, Class of 2021
Academy students traditionally place well above the national average and gain entry into the UK’s top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Imperial College, University of Edinburgh and the London School of Economics.
The Results are Clear
% of Passes A-C Grades
99%
98%
94%
77%
78%
75%
EA
all scottish schools
NATIONAL 5
HIGHER
ADV HIGHER
Curriculum
Student numbers
GCSE A-Levels National 5 Higher Advanced Higher (Joint best in Scotland*) Scottish Baccalaureate
Nursery (2–5yrs) Junior School (5–10yrs) Senior School (11–18yrs) Total
102 404 670 1,176
* Joint best Scottish Independent School by Advanced Highers. —best-schools.co.uk (https://bit.ly/39IgMhy)
View Alumni Spotlight
Our Pipe Major, Nicholas Caceres, meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Beating Retreat at Holyrood Palace.
Alumni Spotlight
Currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Alistair McConnell (EA 1993–2006) leads multiple award-winning STEM public engagement projects and has presented his work to NASA. He developed a brain-controlled soft robotic exoskeleton for stroke rehabilitation. ‘I was at EA right the way through my school career. It was Miss Hennessy (Design Technology), who encouraged me and suggested I study engineering at university. The School gave me the confidence to see that there’s always another way to do things. I think mental resilience is key.’
Dr Alistair McConnell
Stefan Cunningham
James Clerk Maxwell
Sarah Pinborough
The MacLean Brothers
Stefan Cunningham (EA 2003–16) won the prestigious British Flute Society Young Artist prize in 2020 and the Woodwind Prize at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where he now studies. ‘I felt really nurtured at EA and was given many opportunities from a young age which have given me a lot of confidence now. I feel lucky to have gone to a school where the arts are viewed at the same level as STEM subjects. ‘I was particularly inspired by Dr Coad and Mr Tully who showed me there was an exciting world of academic music as well as the thrill of performing, which lead me to my undergraduate degree at King’s College London.’
James Clerk Maxwell (EA 1841–47) was a mathematician and scientist responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, describing electricity, magnetism and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon for the first time. His equations for electromagnetism have been called the ‘second great unification in physics’ where the first one had been realised by Isaac Newton. Considered by many to be the father of modern physics, his work paved the way for others such as Albert Einstein and Max Planck. When Albert Einstein was asked if he stood on the shoulders of Newton, he replied: ‘No, on the shoulders of Maxwell.’
Sarah Pinborough (EA 1988–90) is the author of several best-selling novels, including ‘Behind Her Eyes’ which is now a hit series on Netflix. Amongst her extensive bibliography of horror, thriller and crime novels lies the British Fantasy Award winning ‘The Language of Dying’ and a series of murder mysteries set in Victorian London. Outside of publishing, she has written for the screen in regular shows on the BBC and original dramas. ‘The highlight of my career was Stephen King reading “The Death House”, recommending it in the New York Times and then sending over a great blurb. It has meant the most to me emotionally. I am such a fan of his – as most people of my age are – so it was a real moment.’
Brothers Ewan (EA 2007–10), Jamie (EA 2009–12) and Lachlan MacLean (EA 2010–16) set three world records by rowing 3,000 miles across Atlantic Ocean in the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Their story is one of determination, resilience and sheer courage. They became the first three brothers to row any ocean, the youngest and fastest trio to row the Atlantic Ocean—and they did it all for charity. ‘The Academy came on board as one of our major sponsors and Barry Welsh was instrumental in that. I think the School played a key role in us not only wanting to do the row but having the self-belief to take it on—the hunger for trying new things—so the School was huge in the whole process. The Academy teaches you to push for excellence—and one of the biggest things for us, during the entire process, was to do every element as well as we possibly could. That definitely comes from the relationship you have with the teachers, the passion they have for their subject and the way they inspire all the students. Pushing for excellence is definitely a trait that all three of us have taken away.’
Life at EA
junior school & nursery
senior school
More than Grades,
A Well-rounded Education
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” — Robert Louis Stevenson (EA 1861–63)
One of our best-known alumni, Stevenson was ahead of his time and, as he knew, the most stimulating place to learn is the world itself. To understand the world, young people need to be open-minded and inquiring, able to connect what they have learned academically to what they encounter in their lives. The co-curricular programme is central to Academy experience. Getting the right balance in life, learning to be a team player, a musician, an actor, a writer or coder, while appreciating the achievements of others, in our view goes a long way to explain the success of our alumni in their chosen academic and professional fields. By experiencing the Academy’s extensive programme of trips and expeditions, they broaden their outlook and come back wanting to learn in a different way. The Academy student is therefore one who lives by the School motto, does not rest on previous accomplishments and makes an impact on the world. When they leave the Academy, our alumni have the confidence to travel well, not as foreigners, but as members of a global community.
Learning how to Travel
‘Always Excel’ is our Motto
“The Edinburgh Academy is a unique school ensuring that every student has a chance to challenge themselves and find new interests in a wide range of opportunities.” — Samuel Chittleburgh, Class of 2021
Georgina Usher (EA 1988–90), British Fencing Champion and Commonwealth Games medal winner.
Visualisation of our new Golf Training Facility.
Brothers Ewan (EA 2007–10), Jamie (EA 2009–12) and Lachlan MacLean (EA 2010–16) set three world records by rowing 3,000 miles across Atlantic Ocean in the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Their story is one of determination, resilience and sheer courage. They became the first three brothers to row any ocean, the youngest and fastest trio to row the Atlantic Ocean—and they did it all for charity. ‘The Academy came on board as one of our major sponsors and Barry Welsh was instrumental in that.I think the School played a key role in us not only wanting to do the row but having the self-belief to take it on—the hunger for trying new things—so the School was huge in the whole process. The Academy teaches you to push for excellence—and one of the biggest things for us, during the entire process, was to do every element as well as we possibly could. That definitely comes from the relationship you have with the teachers, the passion they have for their subject and the way they inspire all the students. Pushing for excellence is definitely a trait that all three of us have taken away.’
mute/ unmute
EA chamber choir
Our Pipers
EA chamber Choir
EA Chamber Choir
Heritage & History
The Edinburgh Academy is approaching its 200th year of shaping young minds and its traditions still run deep. For instance, the Academy jointly holds the world record for the oldest continual rugby sporting fixture, first played in 1858, and still played today.
growing city of Edinburgh. They received a Royal Charter on Friday 6th February 1824 and, in October of that same year, the Edinburgh Academy gathered for the first time and heard the address from the great Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, a strong personal supporter of the School’s foundation. From that day forward the Edinburgh Academy has played a major role in Scotland’s educational landscape and produced alumni who have changed the world. But the Academy has evolved while retaining time-honoured traditions and creating new ones along the way. In 1960 the Edinburgh Academy Junior School moved into its own purpose-built facility set amongst the greenery of Arboretum Road and girls were admitted into the Sixth Form in the 1970s. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the School in 1974 and the Academy became fully co-educational in 2008. Since then, exciting new buildings have been built to accommodate increased enrolment. These include the award-winning James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, the McTavish wing of the Junior School, The Eric Stevenson Sports Centre, the Nursery building, two sports pavilions and the Learning Commons which is currently under construction.
n Monday 30th June 1823, Lord Cockburn and his great friend Leonard Horner laid the foundation stone of a school that would exemplify and practise the very best of a structured education for the youth of the rapidly
O
Left: Edinburgh Academy’s Royal Charter
EA Rugby 1st XV 1894–95
Alumni and the EA Legacy
For nearly 200 years and across many generations of students, the Academy has produced innovative leaders who have shaped the world and history.
sports, international business, media, medicine, publishing and law. Many of them actively engage with the School, which benefits our current students.
fter leaving the Academy, our alumni thrive on the international stage in politics, science, music, sports, international business, media, medicine,
A
Mike Blair
Guy Berryman
Learn More
Edwina Brown
J Michael Kosterlitz
Anneliese M Day
publishing and law. Many of them actively engage with the School, which benefits our current students. Our eminent Academicals are simply too numerous to mention. Below are just a few ‘Accies’ who have placed their mark on the world. Visit our website for a more comprehensive list: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk/alumni Robert Louis Stevenson (EA 1861–63)Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His best-known books include ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Kidnapped’, ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’. Learn more. Edwina Brown (EA 1966–67)The first ever girl to attend the Academy, Edwina is Honorary Professor of Renal Medicine, Imperial College London. She is a nephrologist and academic clinician. Learn more. J Michael Kosterlitz (EA 1959–62) Mike was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2016, the Maxwell Medal and Prize from the British Institute of Physics in 1981, and the Lars Onsager Prize from the American Physical Society in 2000. Learn more. Anneliese M Day (EA 1988–90) Anneliese won ‘Barrister of the Year’ at the ‘The Lawyer’ 2014 Awards and was named one of the 500 most influential people in the UK by Debrett’s in 2015. Learn more. Guy Berryman (EA 1987–90)Guy Berryman is the bass player in UK band Coldplay. Whilst at EA Guy played trumpet and drums in the school band. Learn more. Mike Blair (EA 1986–99)Mike was a Scottish international rugby union player and is now a Scotland national coach. He represented the Scotland national side 85 times, as well as touring with the British and Irish Lions in 2009. Learn more.
fter leaving the Academy, our alumni thrive on the international stage in politics, science, music, sports, international business, media, medicine, publishing and law. Many of them actively engage with the School, which benefits our current students. Our eminent Academicals are simply too numerous to mention. Below are just a few ‘Accies’ who have placed their mark on the world.
Hover to find out more
Robert Louis Stevenson (EA 1861–63)Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His best-known books include ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Kidnapped’, ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.
Robert Louis Stevenson
J Michael Kosterlitz (EA 1959–62) Mike was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2016, the Maxwell Medal and Prize from the British Institute of Physics in 1981, and the Lars Onsager Prize from the American Physical Society in 2000.
Mike Blair (EA 1986–99)Mike was a Scottish international rugby union player and is now a Scotland national coach. He represented the Scotland national side 85 times, as well as touring with the British and Irish Lions in 2009.
Edwina Brown (EA 1966–67)The first ever girl to attend the Academy, Edwina is Honorary Professor of Renal Medicine, Imperial College London. She is a nephrologist and academic clinician.
Anneliese won ‘Barrister of the Year’ at the ‘The Lawyer’ 2014 Awards and was named one of the 500 most influential people in the UK by Debrett’s in 2015.
Hover over images for more information
Guy Berryman (EA 1987–90)Guy Berryman is the bass player in UK band Coldplay. Whilst at EA Guy played trumpet and drums in the school band.
Click to View the Full List of Notable Alumni
Support & Community
The health and well-being of children is our paramount concern and the pastoral care of our students will be at the heart of everything we do at a future Edinburgh International Academy. If our students are safe and happy then everything else will follow.
pastoral lives and receive expert guidance when they make careers and subject choices. Our pastoral and counselling team get to know the children extremely well and care for them by providing individual support through mindfulness training, counselling, yoga and meditation. Being part of the EA Community is like being in a family. There is mutual respect between students, parents and staff who support each other and make sure no one is left behind. This connection makes the whole community stronger and benefits the School and its global alumni network. The connection to the community fosters a strong sense of philanthropy and service in our students, making them outstanding global citizens. We raise thousands of pounds for charity every year and are proud to be the recipient of Unicef’s Rights Respecting Schools Award and Edinburgh Young Carers We Care Award. During the Covid- 19 lockdown, we supplied volunteers and school resources to help Scran Academy provide more than 100,000 meals to those in need.
ur expertise extends from our Early Years Practitioners in Nursery all the way through to our sector-leading Pastoral team in the Senior School. The students are given exceptional guidance in all areas of their academic and
ur expertise extends from our Early Years Practitioners in Nursery all the way through to our sector-leading Pastoral team in the Senior School. The students are given exceptional guidance in all areas of their academic and pastoral lives and receive expert guidance when they make careers and subject choices.
Become a Part of Our History
Scotland has a different way of doing things. Its effect on education can be found in the roots of the Scottish Enlightenment and its continuous drive to innovate, in its striving for equality to improve the lives and well-being of all and in its love and reverence of the natural world.
It is only natural that Scotland is the hub of Green innovation in the United Kingdom, or that the late Prince Phillip’s time in Scotland led him to establish the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to encourage students to enjoy the outdoors. And it is no surprise that the rewards for hard work, the national pastime of golf and the world’s largest festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, have originated in this culturally rich country. Scotland and the Edinburgh Academy together have a lot to offer the world and historically have had a great effect on it. Become part of Scotland. Become part of the Edinburgh Academy. Take the next step so your community will have the chance to become a part of our history.
t is only natural that the Academy, a school that encourages hard work, goodwill and the love of nature, be located in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
I
Our students have an added advantage, because the world also comes to them. Edinburgh is not only the nation’s capital and a global financial centre; it hosts the world’s leading Arts Festival and is the home of Scottish rugby. Five of the ten courses regularly hosting the British Open Golf Championship are all nearby in Scotland. When the world comes to Edinburgh, the Academy makes sure our students meet the world – on the golf course, in the concert hall, in the City and, of course, at school.
The Edinburgh Advantage
42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5BL
+44 (0)131 624 4920 / www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
@edinburghacad
Theedinburghacademy
The Edinburgh Academy is a registered charity, no SC 016999
