Boarding with us
Boarding at St George's: Your Ideal Girls' Boarding School in Edinburgh!
“The most important part of my role as Housemistress, and the most
enjoyable, is building individual relationships with each boarder. My
personal experience of being a parent along with a long history of
working with children and families gives me the experience,
understanding, and empathy required in this pastoral role. With the
support of my team, our aim and priority are to enrich the lives of all
boarders in our care.” Melissa McMurray, Housemistress
Melissa McMurray
Boarding at St George's: Your Ideal Girls' Boarding School in Edinburgh!
“The most important part of my role as Housemistress, and the most
enjoyable, is building individual relationships with each boarder. My
personal experience of being a parent along with a long history of
working with children and families gives me the experience,
understanding, and empathy required in this pastoral role. With the
support of my team, our aim and priority are to enrich the lives of all
boarders in our care.” Melissa McMurray, Housemistress
Melissa McMurray
Home from home: Boarding with us
Boarding at St George’s Private Boarding School is special and unlike any other boarding experience in Scotland.
We create a 'home from home' environment for our boarders in which they feel secure within a close-knit structured environment: just like siblings in a large family, housemates of different ages learn from – and support – each other.
All our boarders live in Houldsworth House, a small and friendly boarding house at the edge of the school's private grounds, only a 20-minute walk from the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland's iconic capital city.
Discover the Magic of Edinburgh: A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Culture
St George's School is based in a tranquil parkland setting, with views of Edinburgh Castle, in the heart of the city. Of course, Edinburgh boasts a stunning landscape, a rich cultural heritage, and is a modern vibrant city. It is consistently ranked among the world’s most desirable cities to live in.
As a boarder, you can immerse yourself in all the city has to offer, from vibrant cultural experiences to exciting sports and activities. You will thrive in our environment that nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth.
Although we offer a British boarding experience, we thoroughly pride ourselves on being an international community and love sharing and celebrating each other's customs and festivals. Boarders are usually an equal split of British and international pupils ranging in age from 10 to 18.
We take no more than 50 boarders at one time, so we can always give our full attention to ensure a smooth-running and friendly atmosphere within Houldsworth House.
Boarding pupils from across the globe share their experiences
Leonie a German girl shares her experience as a boarding pupil
Impressive residential boarding Care Inspectorate report- January 2023
St George's has been awarded the grade of very good across all areas of assessment in a report produced by the Care Inspectorate following the latest inspection of our residential boarding provision.
We were proud that our boarders “reported very high levels of satisfaction” and “extremely positive relationships with staff, who showed kindness and commitment to their individual wellbeing.” Care Inspectorate report January 2023.
Boarding at St George’s School
Head of Boarding, Jill Bryce, talks about the boarding experience
Full and Flexi boarding
We understand that every family has unique needs, which is why we offer flexible boarding options. We offer full-time boarding alongside weekly boarding or flexible boarding for a few nights a week.
Many girls are full boarders, and well over half are usually on-site at the weekends, enjoying lots of activities on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
As well as benefiting from living in one of the best global cities, our boarders also take advantage of the full range of clubs, activities and visits we provide.
Above all, the independence, self-reliance and confidence that our boarders develop throughout their time with us will prove invaluable for their future moves to university and beyond…
Houldsworth House
Houldsworth House is a place where the warmth of a home and camaraderie blend seamlessly. Our House is two magnificent Victorian properties, connected by a spacious common room that fosters a sense of togetherness. Additionally, we have a modern purpose-built bungalow exclusively for our Sixth Form students.
Our surroundings are serene and attractive, with Houldsworth House nestled among picturesque gardens. In good weather, the girls make use of this tranquil space for games and relaxation. The summer term brings with it delightful barbecues and other exciting events.
Meet our staff
Our Housemistress has extensive experience in working with young people and their families and building trusting relationships. Her husband has been the full-time chef in Houldsworth for many years. Together they are parents to four children and are passionate about providing a warm, welcoming environment within the boarding house.
