By accepting an Academic Medal or Scholarship Award, a student is making a clear commitment to take a leading role in the academic, musical or artistic life of the school, participating in extra-curricular enrichment events and activities. There is an expectation that scholars will represent the school in relevant internal and external competitions, with Senior Years scholars acting as mentors to scholars in the younger years.

All Medal awards and Scholarships are subject to review and may be withdrawn if a pupil is not engaging productively with the programme.
 

Academic Medals

Caroline Bashford / Roger Wightman Academic Medals

Pupils entering Geits (P7) and 2nds (S1), whether already attending the school or new applicants, are invited to compete for these Academic Medals.

Caroline Bashford was Head of the Junior School at The Edinburgh Academy from 2003–10. In her honour, medals are awarded to pupils displaying a high level of academic excellence on entry to Geits (P7).

Dr Roger Wightman taught at the Senior School from 1991 to 2019 and was latterly Director of Studies and Deputy Rector. The medal named in his honour is available to pupils entering 2nds (S1).

Children who compete for these awards are assessed in Maths and English. These awards offer an Academic Medal and a £100 book token.

These assessments take place in April and are open by invitation only to pupils in Primary 6 or 7, whether currently at The Edinburgh Academy or about to enter the school. For new pupils joining the School, invitations to sit Medal exams are issued alongside offers to the School.
 

Lyon, Peter Langwill and T A Nelson Medals

Pupils entering 3rds (S2) and 4ths (S3) whether already attending the school or new applicants, are invited to compete for these Academic Medals. The Lyon Prize for English 3rds (S2) and 4ths (S3), the Peter Langwill Prize for Maths 3rds (S2) or the T A Nelson Prize for Maths 4ths (S3).

The Lyon Prize for English was named in honour of Percy Hugh Lyon (Rector EA: 1926–31) who, amongst many other things began the Stockbridge Boys Club (1929) improved facilities at Henderson Row and directed the first Shakespearean play (Hamlet) at the Academy in 1928.

The Peter Langwill Prize for Mathematics was instituted in 1944 in memory of Peter Langwill (EA 1932–37) who was killed in action in 1943. The T A Nelson Prize for Mathematics was instituted in 1917 in memory of T A Nelson (EA 1887–95) member of the Nelson publishing family and rugby internationalist, who was killed in action in April 1917.

These awards offer an Academic Medal and a £100 book token.

These assessments take place in April and are open by invitation only, whether currently at The Edinburgh Academy or about to enter the school. For new pupils joining the School, invitations to sit Medal exams are issued alongside offers to the School.
 

Scholarships

In the Middle Years 3rds (S2) & 4ths (S3) and Senior Years 6ths (S5), pupils can also apply to become Art, Music, or Sport Scholars. Art Scholarships offer personalised support, as well as a small annual grant to provide financial assistance in pursuit of the scholar’s specialist endeavours. Music Scholarships offer free tuition in one instrument or voice. Sports Scholarships offer an annual grant to provide assistance in support of the scholar’s athletic development.
 

Art Scholarships

Pupils entering 4ths (S3) or 6ths (S5) whether already attending the School or new applicants are welcome to apply.
 

The Duncan Pettigrew Scholarship — Entry into 4ths (S3)

This scholarship recognises pupils with particular strength in Art & Design. Successful candidates will have a high level of observational drawing skill and a willingness to try new media.

Pupils will be asked to demonstrate their creativity and commitment to the subject by submitting a portfolio of work that they have selected both from work done in school and in their own time.

• On the scholarship day they will be asked to produce a piece of work in any media to demonstrate their skill in their chosen media from a still life.
• They will bring their portfolio with them and have a short interview with the Head of the Department and another teacher from the department.
   

The Mark Cheverton Scholarship — Entry into 6ths (S5)

This scholarship is awarded with the same application and selection process as the Duncan Pettigrew Scholarship with an extra emphasis on demonstrating a willingness to be pushing creativity to a very high level and to take risks rather than simply demonstrating a high level of technical skill.

These Scholarships offer an annual maximum of £500 for artistic endeavours.

The closing date for applications for Art Scholarships is Friday 16 April 2027. Thereafter, invitations to attend interview and practical exams will follow.
 

Music Scholarships

Music plays a central role in the life of the school. With three orchestras, two concert bands, a big band, seven choirs and numerous smaller ensembles, there is something for every young musician. Pupils perform regularly at prestigious venues, including St Mary’s Cathedral, St Giles’ Cathedral, The Queen’s Hall and the Usher Hall, and benefit from expert tuition from our outstanding team of instrumental and singing teachers. Music Scholars are expected to play a leading role in this vibrant musical community by participating fully in ensembles and choirs, performing at Open Day and the annual Music Scholars’ Recital, and acting as positive role models for other pupils.

We offer music scholarships for pupils who demonstrate outstanding musical ability and true passion for Music. Music Scholarships cover the cost of tuition in one instrument or voice and pupils already at EA, currently in Geits, 3rds and 5ths, are welcome to apply, as well as pupils who are expecting to join the Academy in 2nds, 4ths or 6ths. The guideline entry standard on first instrument is as follows: Geits: Grade 4; 3rds: Grade 5; at 5ths: Grade 7.

Applications should be made using the online form by Wednesday 9 December 2026. Candidates should also send a video recording of themselves playing a piece of their choice on their first instrument, and reference(s) from their instrumental teacher(s).

The videos and references will be used to draw up a shortlist of candidates for interview and audition, which will take place on Friday 22 January 2027. These will take place with a panel of members from the music department, moderated by an external examiner. Candidates only need to play one instrument, however candidates may also play on a second instrument if they wish. They will be asked to perform two contrasted pieces on their first instrument, and one piece on any further instrument or voice. A piano accompanist will be provided. The audition will also include a sight-reading test and aural tests. We are always interested to see or hear any composition as well, as evidence of the candidate’s general musicianship.

All Scholarship holders are expected to play a full and active part in the musical life of the school and to act as an exemplary role model to our younger pupils Each scholarship is reviewed annually through a written report and supportive discussion, providing an opportunity to celebrate progress, recognise the pupil’s contribution and agree goals for the year ahead. Continuation of the award is based on sustained musical progress, commitment and positive engagement with school music.
 

Sport Scholarships

Sports Scholarships recognise both current sporting achievement and future potential. Scholars will work with the Sports Department to support their continued development and will have access to the School’s wider sporting and athletic development provision. Each scholar’s progress will be reviewed regularly, with appropriate development objectives agreed according to their age, sport, and performance pathway.

The financial award is intended to support the scholar’s continued athletic development. Sports Scholars are available for new pupils joining the School in 3rds (S2), 4ths (S3) or 6ths (S5). There are a total of four scholarships available per year (two Senior awards and two Junior awards).

Once the annual Admissions’ cycle is complete, students who are already at the School may apply for a sports scholarship if there are any awards that have not been made within the Admissions’ cycle.

Sports Scholars are students who have an outstanding skill level and tactical understanding in their given sport or in multiple sports. They must demonstrate a commitment and a desire to develop their sport, to lead others, and to promote participation in sport more widely across our school community. Scholarships are available for talented athletes in our core sports: athletics, cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, tennis.

Sport Scholars are expected to play a leading role in all School sport, be that for their Division as well as our School teams, and acting as positive role models for other pupils.

The eligibility criteria for sports scholars are:
 

Senior Sports Scholarship — Entry into 6ths (S5)

Performance Level: Performance at, or demonstrable capacity to perform at, regional/national level, or an equivalent outstanding standard within the candidate’s sport; evidence of future development capacity; physical literacy and adaptability; outstanding commitment and a positive attitude towards development, clear evidence of coachability and a strong work ethic, an evidence of a strong contribution to core School Sport (a sporting CV).
 

Junior Sports Scholar

Performance Level: Performance at regional, district, leading club or equivalent level, or clear evidence of the potential to progress towards that standard; measurable performance indicators in their chosen sport(s); evidence of future development capacity; a clear evidence of coachability and a strong work ethic; evidence of a strong contribution to core School Sport (a sporting CV).

Both Senior and Junior Sports Scholars will have a Scholarship Interview: a structured discussion exploring the candidate’s sporting ambitions, development goals, commitment to training, response to coaching, experience of teamwork and leadership, and their understanding of the contribution expected of a Sports Scholar.

Awards are made following consideration of the candidate’s current performance, future potential, attitude and coachability, and the contribution they are likely to make to the sporting life of the School. Meeting an individual performance criterion does not automatically result in the award of a Scholarship. The School reserves the right not to award all available Scholarships where candidates do not demonstrate the required overall standard.

Applications should be made using the online form by Tuesday 5 January 2027.

Please submit a Sporting CV, a school reference or external coach reference and, where possible, video evidence (most typically for a Senior Scholarship).

The application details will be used to draw up a shortlist of candidates for interview and assessments, which will take place on Friday 29 January 2027.

These will take place with our Directors of Sport. Candidates will attend a structured Scholarship Assessment including:

Practical Performance: sport-specific drills and match scenarios, including an assessment of skill execution, tactical understanding, and decision-making under pressure.

Athletic Testing: speed, agility, strength & endurance benchmarks

Coach Observation: behaviour, effort, teamwork, communication.
 

Expectations of Scholars

• Represent the school in their primary sport (and others where appropriate)
• Maintain high standards of conduct and effort.
• Attend training, fixtures, and strength & conditioning sessions.
• Act as role models for younger pupils.
• Act as positive ambassadors for School sport, including supporting appropriate School sporting events and activities.

Failure to meet expectations may result in review or withdrawal of award.

Review and Monitoring: Annual review conducted by the Sports Department with input from coaches and pastoral staff.