More Than 2,200 Pupils Began Lessons on Monday at the Newly Created Erskine Stewart Melville Schools in Edinburgh in the UK

Two of Scotland's oldest private schools have merged to create one of the UK's largest schools, with leaders saying the move will protect them for generations to come. More than 2,200 pupils began lessons on Monday at the newly created Erskine Stewart Melville schools in Edinburgh. The Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College and ESMS Junior School have united under one shared institution for children aged three to 18. Principal Anthony Simpson said: "At a time when the independent sector faces considerable challenges, this is a story of strength, stability and confidence in the future.

"By bringing together two of Scotland's most successful and respected schools, we are securing our future by significantly investing in the education, wellbeing and opportunities available to every child and young person in our care, he added. The merger unites 330 years of educational experience and comes as fee-paying schools face significant financial pressures. Erskine Stewart Melville has invested in new facilities, including a new Wellbeing Hub, enhanced music facilities including a keyboard lab and recording studio, a new gym and fitness suite, an extended library space, a new S6 hub, and a Science, Innovation and Technology Centre.

Junior School children will now also have access to specialist facilities, including dedicated design and technology spaces, drama studios and art rooms, and plans for a new playground are under way. Mike Kane, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School, said: "The creation of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School on a single campus gives us a truly unique educational offering in the heart of Edinburgh. Our children benefit from more than 40 acres of grounds and outdoor learning space, creating extraordinary opportunities for exploration, creativity and play.

The opening of the Senior School on the Queensferry Road campus brings together students already familiar with learning alongside one another through a well-established co-educational S6 and programme of shared activities. Frances McCrudden, Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School, said: "For many of our students, learning side by side is already a familiar experience. This transition allows us to build on those foundations while creating a truly united Senior School community.