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Boarding at ESMS

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A close-knit home from home

For international students and children whose parents work outside of Scotland or the UK, who live in rural Scotland or who live too far from Edinburgh to commute daily, Dean Park House provides a comfortable and happy home from home for children from Primary 6 to Sixth Form. Our small size means that boarding is just like being a member of an extended family. Our boarders form deep and lasting friendships with each other and there is a close relationship between them and the staff who care for them. 

Our Boarding Housemaster, Mr Roxburgh, lives in Dean Park House with his wife, children and dog Rocky. He would be happy to discuss any specific questions with you and your family about our boarding provision and you can contact him at boardingadmissions@esms.org.uk.

Watch our video below to get a feel for Boarding at ESMS
We have 30 spaces in our Boarding House. This allows us to provide a warm, family atmosphere in the house which is not intimidating for those new to boarding. Our boarding housemaster and his family live in the house along with their dog, Rocky, who is very much part of our boarding community!
Each evening during the week boarders complete their homework or revision during prep, under the supervision of a member of our boarding staff. Our boarders receive individual academic support from our boarding house tutors, most of whom are members of the senior school teaching staff.
Mobile phones are the easiest way to keep in touch. You are welcome to phone your son/daughter after school hours. The only exceptions to this are during meal and prep times when our boarders are asked to set their phones to silent. Up to S4, boarders hand in their phones to the member of staff on duty before lights out each evening. Older boarders’ phones should be turned off after lights out.
Each Sunday there is an organised trip. This could be to the cinema, go-karting, climbing, ice-skating etc. These trips help to foster friendships, camaraderie and a sense of community. Your son/daughter will make friends with fellow boarders at ESMS but also with day pupils. Our boarders are most welcome to invite friends to visit in the house and they can stay for an evening meal or weekend lunch, provided our boarding staff know in advance. Boarders can also spend a Friday or Saturday night at a friend’s house.
We would be delighted to arrange a tour of our school and our boarding facilities. Covid restrictions permitting, your son/daughter is also very welcome to spend a taster evening in the boarding house and meet our boarders and boarding house staff.

Rated "Excellent" in all categories assessed in a recent Care Inspectorate Report.

Download the full report here. 

boys in their rooms at dean park house
Boarding at ESMS

Read about a typical day in the life of one of the boarders at Dean Park House.

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Excellent Facilities

Find out more about Dean Park House and its modern facilities alongside more detailed information about pastoral care in the House and why Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live on our main website.

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Pre-University Year

Many international boarders join our house in their senior years at school to become more responsible and self-motivated, preparing for University or alternative paths.

Read more about our Sixth Form

Boarding is a unique experience that I would highly recommend. You feel like you are part of a family and you get to make loads of new friends from different year groups so you always have someone to talk to.

Abbie Carr 

Boarding House Captain  2019-20

Fees

Learn more about Boarding fees here.

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Next Steps

If you would like to apply for a space in our Boarding House, you can complete an online application form today.

Apply Now