What people say about Cargilfield

Government Inspections

Education Scotland scores Cargilfield ‘Excellent’ - the highest possible rating - in an inspection report published in September 2023, which praises Cargilfield for raising attainment and achievement.

Education Scotland reports that “the School’s motto ‘Where Learning is an Everyday Adventure’ is evident in the exciting and motivating experiences for children”. The inspection states the School successfully strikes “a balance between achieving outstanding academic standards and expectations, while ensuring children’s emotional and mental well-being is nurtured”. 

Cargilfield inspection report 23

Cargilfield School named sector leader by Education Scotland

Cargilfield School received an outstanding report in all four inspection categories, with an excellent for raising attainment and achievement; and very good for leadership of change learning; for learning, teaching and assessment and for ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion.

Headmaster, Rob Taylor, says “As Headmaster, I am extremely proud of our achievements as it reflects the quality that I see on a day to day basis at Cargilfield: the high quality learning in which I see your children engaged; the passionate teaching and pastoral care that I see delivered by my colleagues in and out of classrooms; and the committed support to the whole community from governors and other members of staff. We would very much like to show you just why our school was valued so highly and hope you will visit Cargilfield soon. To arrange a private visit on any school day, please contact Fiona Craig our Registrar - [email protected]

Education Scotland is a Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education. Both the Scottish Government (Education Scotland) and the Care Inspectorate have a duty to check all educational establishments in Scotland on a regular basis. These inspections and reports are both rigorous and independent and they provide parents with an ideal benchmark as to the quality of education and care their children receive at Cargilfield.

Good Schools’ Guide

Read our review here.

Tatler Schools’ Guide

‘On the eve of their final day at Cargilfield, Year 8 pupils enjoy a last hurrah on an island in the Firth of Forth, and each year the whole school spends a day walking in the Pentland Hills. Head Rob Taylor is ‘young, dynamic and enthusiastic’, according to a recent visitor, and groundsman Kenny Pope ‘is the most popular adult in the school’. The timetable has been tweaked to enhance the boarders’ routine and increase opportunities for reading and music, while the boarding facilities are set to receive a facelift. Eyes are focused on inclusivity: netball, hockey and cricket are mixed and 15 per cent of students receive fee assistance. Leavers go on to stellar publics such as Fettes, Winchester and Wycombe Abbey.

Read our review here.

Kenny Pope, our Groundsman, was named as ‘Unsung Hero’ at the Tatler Awards for 2023!

Cargilfield Preparatory School 7O7A9702 Photograph by Angus Bremner

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