Discover the magic of Theatre School of Scotland Edinburgh!
We’re opening our doors and inviting you to experience everything our Edinburgh campus has to offer at our upcoming Open Day!
If your child has a passion for performing, loves to sing, dance or act, or is simply looking to grow in confidence while making lifelong friends, this is the perfect opportunity to see what we’re all about.
Saturday August 15, 2026
2:30PM – 4:30PM
Edinburgh College, 350 W Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE
Open Days give you the chance to:
Meet our expert teaching team
Take a look around our studios
Learn about our exciting performance opportunities
Ask any questions you may have before signing up
At Theatre School of Scotland, we’re proud to be developing Scotland’s next generation of talent, offering high-quality training in a welcoming, supportive environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Whether your child is stepping into the spotlight for the first time or already has a love for performing, we’d love to welcome you to our Edinburgh community!
This is a free event, but booking in advanced is recommended!
Families with young children are invited to join local charity LifeCare for relaxed, fun and free intergenerational activities, bringing little ones together with some of the older people who attend one of LifeCare’s day clubs.
Led by local storyteller Claire Mulholland, the sessions will be packed with stories, singing, music, and games – it’s all about giving children and older people the chance to spend time together, play, laugh and share experiences.
Suitable for children aged 1–5, parents and carers are asked to stay for each session.
When: Every Monday 11-12 noon, from 17 August to 14 September
Where: LifeCare Hub and Café, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB. The LifeCare Hub and Café is very family-friendly, with plenty of space for prams and buggies. It’s a perfect spot for coffee or lunch before or afterwards, making it easy for families to come along and join in.
Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.
While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.
In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.
Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.
School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.
Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.
“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”
Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.
“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.
“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”
56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.
A scheme to help people on low incomes and in priority groups buy their first affordable home has opened for applications.
The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is available for first-time buyers and priority access groups who can’t afford the full price of a home. This includes social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.
The scheme, along with the First Homes Fund, provides financial assistance to prospective homeowners and is part of the Government’s programme of action to provide affordable housing across the country.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Government is delivering on affordable housing and this scheme, along with our First Homes Fund, will provide a vital support for those looking to buy their first home.
“We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder – our shared equity schemes assist households who can sustain mortgage repayments but find it difficult to accumulate the necessary savings to secure a purchase.
“I encourage everyone who is eligible and looking to buy a home to apply to these schemes. Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty across the country.”
The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is open for applications. It is a shared equity scheme designed to help eligible buyers on low-to-moderate incomes purchase a home on the open market by funding a percentage of the price (usually 60% to 90%) while the government holds the remaining equity stake.
The First Homes Fund was introduced by the Scottish Government in June this year. This offers a £10,000 contribution to first-time buyers that struggle to save enough for a full deposit.
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root veg medley soup
Crispy chicken
BBQ-style beans
Halloumi pastries
Lemon cheesecake with blueberry compote
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
Water scarcity continues to put pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the businesses which rely on them, as hot and dry conditions return following recent rainfall.
The latest Water Situation Reportfrom the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows river flows remain very low across much of the country, with some catchments which had recovered now returning to very low levels.
The River Teviot and Ettrick Water have now experienced 39 consecutive days of very low flows. Restrictions on water abstraction remain in place in these catchments and will continue until river flows have recovered sufficiently.
Lower Dee and Water of Feugh have also moved to Significant Scarcity. There are no impacted abstraction licence holders in this area.
Without sustained rainfall, the Dee in Galloway and Urr Water could reach Significant Scarcity within the next week.
Other catchments which previously reached Significant Scarcity and recovered following rainfall are now experiencing very low river flows again, demonstrating the continuing pressure on Scotland’s water environment after months of dry conditions.
SEPA officers have been carrying out visits in catchments where abstraction restrictions are in place and have seen good levels of compliance. Abstractors affected by restrictions are required to comply with the conditions set out by SEPA to protect the water environment.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “This has been a challenging summer for businesses which rely on water from the environment, and we recognise the impact restrictions can have on them.
“Our officers have seen good compliance with the restrictions currently in place. These are regulatory requirements designed to protect rivers when they are under significant pressure, and it is important that businesses continue to comply.
“Recent rainfall has helped in some places, but we’ve also seen rivers return to very low levels. That underlines why we can’t look at individual periods of rainfall in isolation, recovery depends on sustained rainfall over time.
“As our climate changes, rainfall is becoming less predictable and water may not always be available where and when it is needed. Building resilience means planning for that uncertainty, adapting how we use water and taking action early rather than waiting until water availability becomes a problem.
“We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely, work with abstractors and take action where necessary to protect Scotland’s water environment.”
Ensuring support is available where and when families need it
TEN charities will receive a share of a £20 million fund in 2026-27 to deliver wide ranging support to improve wellbeing, boost incomes, and help parents towards employment as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to eradicate child poverty.
The charities involved estimate that up to 35,000 families could benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of whole family support, spanning almost all of Scotland.
The beneficiaries include:
Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), which will expand its support into new areas of Scotland, such as Dundee, to pair parents of neurodivergent children with a Family Adviser to help boost incomes and improve children’s outcomes
Home Start Caithness which will bring together nine organisations to provide one-step gateway to financial and wellbeing support in the region
Borders Community Action who will work with 30 local charities under a new partnership to embed support in rural communities, where poverty can be harder to identify and the right support more difficult to access
Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector which will coordinate a new partnership between more than 30 local organisations to deliver help specific to the needs of communities across the city
In Dundee, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met with families of neurodivergent children to hear about the difference that effective support at point of need can make. Mindroom will use this funding to expand into new areas of Scotland.
Ms Somerville said: “We have made great strides in our ambitious mission to eradicate child poverty. Within the powers we have, we have boosted incomes while delivering a transformational cost of living support package.
“But we know that more needs to be done, which is why we are driving whole family support. This is about making sure that people can access the help they need easily, as simply as possible, and as quickly as possible.
“To remove barriers, we need to empower local charities and local people and bring them together with other services so that there are clear and easy ways to access the right support, in the right place and at the right time.
“I am proud that this ambitious programme, which we will deliver in partnership with charities across Scotland, does just that.”
CEO of Mindroom Alan Thornburrow said: “We see the benefits that whole family support brings to parents and children on a daily basis, so we are pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government to expand our services, including into Dundee.
“Neurodivergent children and their parents have historically found it challenging to access the right support, in the right place – but we are determined to be there for them, tailoring services to meet their individual circumstances, and giving children the best start in life in the process.
“This funding will help us do so on a larger scale, enabling us to reach more people in varied communities. We look forward to pressing ahead with this work.”
The funding comes from the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund, announced as part of the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,Building Futures, and, subject to confirmation during the annual Scottish budget process, it is expected to continue on an annual basis while the programme is in operation.
The 10 organisations that secured funding following a competitive application process are:
New Childline data reveals more than 1,500 counselling sessions were delivered to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026 mentioned returning to school or college
In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s emotional wellbeing was the primary concern, making it the most common issue discussed
As families prepare for the new school term, Matalan is continuing its partnership with the NSPCC to share expert-backed advice and practical support to help children feel confident, prepared and emotionally ready for the return to school
As part of its Back-to-School campaign, Matalan has again joined forces with the NSPCC to help families feel ready, supported and confident as children prepare for the new academic year.
For many families, the return to school is an exciting milestone. But whether a child is starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or returning after the summer holidays, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
The charity’s latest data shows how common back-to-school worries can be. Between April 2025 and March 2026, NSPCC service, Childline, delivered more than 1,500 counselling sessions to children across the UK in which returning to school or college was mentioned.
In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s primary concern was their emotional wellbeing, making it the most common issue raised. Back-to-school anxiety was also shown to peak in August, as children and young people prepared to return to the classroom following the summer holidays.
To support families during this key retail and parenting moment, Matalan is using its Back-to-School activity to spotlight practical advice from the NSPCC, giving parents and carers simple ways to help children navigate first days, new year groups and back-to-school nerves. The guidance is designed to help families start conversations early and build children’s confidence before worries become overwhelming.
The advice comes as part of Matalan’s ongoing partnership with the NSPCC and coincides with the retailer’s sponsored episode of the Happy Mum podcast.
In the episode, presenter Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles to discuss the challenges children face when returning to school, alongside practical tips to help families build confidence and ease anxieties ahead of the new school year.
Gail Sayles, Childline Practitioner, said: “Starting a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and nerves for children and parents alike.
“We know from the young people who contact Childline that worries about going back to school can have a real impact on their emotional wellbeing. Children might be anxious about making new friends, starting a new school or simply adjusting to the return of the normal routine.
“Parents can help children to feel more confident and prepared for returning to school by encouraging regular conversations, beginning to implement small routines in the lead up to the new school term and encouraging them to do things they enjoy to ease any anxieties.
“The most important thing is letting children know their feelings are valid – and that there are trusted adults and services, such as Childline, around them who can help.”
With many children across the UK preparing to return to the classroom in the coming weeks, the NSPCC has shared the following five tips for parents and carers:
Five ways to help children feel confident about going back to school
Writing feelings down: Encourage your child to write down what they’re excited about and anything they’re worried about. Looking at the list together can help you chat through their concerns, ease any worries and remind them of all the positives ahead.
Practical steps: Once your child has shared how they’re feeling about starting or returning to school, a few simple routines can make things feel smoother. Try easing back into a good bedtime routine, keeping devices out of the bedroom, and helping them pack their school bag. If they wear a uniform, checking everything is ready can help them feel more prepared.
Talk them through the routine: If your child is starting school for the first time, talk through the school day with them, including playtimes and lunchtime and make sure they know who is collecting them and from where. You can also practise recognising their name and their teacher’s name to build confidence.
Doing things they enjoy: Even once they’re back at school, making time each day for something they enjoy can help ease any anxiety. Playing outside, going for a walk or joining in with a sport are great ways to support their wellbeing and keep a healthy routine.
Look out for signs: It can take time for children to settle into a new school or routine. If you notice changes in their behaviour or you’re feeling worried, it’s important to speak to their teacher so you can work together to support them. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from a trained professional — even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.
Matalan’s Back to School campaign aims to help families feel ready, supported and confident as they prepare for the new academic year, with the NSPCC providing expert guidance to support parents and carers during the transition.
Through its long-standing partnership with the NSPCC, Matalan has raised more than £12 million for the children’s charity since 2004, helping to support its vital work protecting children across the UK.
Parents looking for more advice can tune into the latest episode of the Happy Mum podcast, where Giovanna Fletcher and Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles explore children’s confidence, emotional readiness and practical ways to navigate the back-to-school transition.
Families can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from trained professionals.
Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
Our water and how to keep it clean, plentiful, and safe has very much been the subject of many news stories, documentaries, and conversations.
From climate change to scarcity and pollution – what plans are in place to secure Scotland’s water future?
You can be part of the discussion on this issue with panellists from University of Dundee the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, campaigner Peter Hammond, and Scottish Water.
A new collaboration with NYCOS showcasing the power of strings and voice, which will include the UK premiere of David Fennessy’s composition Blood
Opening at Lammermuir Festival before performances in Perth, Glasgow, and London from 16 September – 02 October
Inhale. Exhale.
Every breath resonates and each string sings, in a new performance that brings together Scottish Ensemble and singers from the Chamber Choir of the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS).
Bach & Blood will present a programme showcasing the atmosphere and power of strings and voice, emphasising the virtuosic solo violin as performed by Scottish Ensemble’s Artistic Director Jonathan Morton. Musical voices from across the centuries are united by ritual, reflection, and transcendence.
J.S. Bach’s Chaconne, famously described as “the greatest structure for solo violin that exists”, is illuminated by accompanying “Ghost chorales” relating to death and resurrection, that reveal emotional depths beneath the soloist. It is complemented by the ethereal, mystical power of Arvo Pärt’s Greater Antiphons for strings, which unfolds in shimmering stillness with a sense of timeless devotion.
The performance will climax with the UK premiere of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s work Blood. Originally commissioned by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the piece is based on a short melody written by the 12th century composer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen; Blood expands and draws out the sound until it morphs into something completely new.
A solo violin weaves and flows through haunting vocals from the NYCOS choir, led by their Artistic Director Christopher Bell. Consonants are erased and vowels stretched into an emotional, primal stream of sound. What emerges is a work of profound power, where ancient chants merge with a resonating body of orchestral strings to create a startling new sonic landscape, pulsing with visceral, muscular energy.
Bach & Blood will open with a performance at St Mary’s Church in Whitekirk as part of the 2026 Lammermuir Festival. It will then tour to St John’s Kirk in Perth, and to Glasgow Cathedral as part of the 2026 Glasgow Cathedral Festival programme.
Finally, in October, the performance will visit London’s Milton Court, as part of Scottish Ensemble’s Company in Residence season with The Barbican.
Listings Information
Wednesday 16 September, 3pm
St Mary’s Church, Whitekirk
Part of the 2026 Lammermuir Festival
Tickets: From £18, half-price tickets for under-25s
Thursday 17 September, 7pm
St John’s Kirk, Perth
Tickets: From £6, free for under-26s
Friday 18 September, 7pm
Glasgow Cathedral
Part of the 2026 Glasgow Cathedral Festival
Tickets: From £7 – Limited number of £1 tickets available for local residents.
Friday 02 October, 7.30pm
Milton Court, London
Part of Scottish Ensemble’s Company in Residence season with The Barbican
Discover the magic of Theatre School of Scotland Edinburgh! 
Saturday August 15, 2026
2:30PM – 4:30PM
Edinburgh College, 350 W Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE
Meet our expert teaching team
