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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Jacob Farr

Top Edinburgh private school to close boarding house after 60 years due to pandemic

A top Edinburgh private school has closed its boarding house after 60 years.

Erskine Stewart Melville’s Schools (ESMS) says that the Dean Park House element of the school will close its doors in July 2025 as it was unable to survive the pandemic.

Those at the school say that the move is necessary to ensure that ESMS can evolve and continue to invest in the future of the institution.

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They celebrated Dean Park House for holding a special place in the history of the school overt the last 60 years.

There are currently only 19 pupils who are placed in the boarding house. It is understood that parents at the school have been notified of the decision.

In a statement, an ESMS spokesperson said: “ESMS has decided to close its Boarding House, Dean Park House, in July 2025.

“The School has weathered the pandemic well and numbers are strong and growing, however, boarding, which has always been a small part of the School, has not kept pace with our day places.

“We have loved offering a second home to our boarders over the last 60 years. It is an important part of our heritage, however, our school must continue to evolve and as we invest in our future, our focus must be on our day students, who represent the vast majority of our School community.

“The move will allow us to repurpose Dean Park House to expand our facilities for other areas of the School.

“We would like to thank all the members of staff who have gone over and above to support our boarders over the years.

“Dean Park House will remain open for another two years and we will continue to accept new boarders throughout this period.”

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