Belhaven Hill School

Belhaven Hill School is an independent, co-educational preparatory school for boarding and day pupils aged 5 to 13 in  Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland. Set in 20 acres of beautiful grounds, Belhaven has an idyllic, coastal setting which both children and staff treat as their playground and home.

The current headmaster is Olly Langton.

Founded in 1923 by Brian Simms, Belhaven Hill has a long and proud history, growing from its humble beginnings with a handful of pupils and two staff in an old private house on Belhaven Hill. Set in 20 acres of beautiful grounds, Belhaven has an idyllic, coastal setting which both children and staff treat as their playground and home.

The core values of the school are Courtesy, Courage and Creativity and these are embedded in everything that we do. Children are encouraged to be brave and give everything a go, thinking of others all the time.

The School's Centenary
On Thursday, 4 May 2023 the School will become 100 years old. There have been many celebrations to mark this centenary year including a Centenary Concert held in St. Mary's Church, Haddington and there will be a Centenary Ball for Former Pupils and Friends on Saturday, 27 May 2023.

School Expansion
Building on the expertise gathered over several years since the start of our Form 6 class (for 7 year olds), we have extended our excellent all-round education to 5 and 6 year olds - the Pre-Prep. The Pre-Prep will be small, only thirty children, with ten in each year group so that the children will receive focused teaching, tailored to each individual's particular needs at the very start of their education, allowing them to progress at the speed that suits them and develop a love of learning.

Be Creative, Be Courageous
Belhaven Hill runs a full programme of fun, challenging activities and they are an integral part of providing an all-round education. ‘Have a go’ is often heard at Belhaven and, with support and encouragement, our boys and girls learn that the key to success lies within themselves. On offer for the Summer term are: Advanced Art, Entrepreneurship, Swimming, Lawn Games, Repair Workshop, Gardening, Creative Writing, Outdoor Cooking, Beach Walking, Fencing, Squash, Football, Trash Fashion, Wookie Special, Song Writing, Rock Pooling, Archery and Outdoor Survival.

Notable former pupils

 * Hugh Buchanan (artist), Scottish artist
 * James Chichester, Earl of Belfast (born 1990), aristocrat
 * Alexander Elphinstone, 19th Lord Elphinstone (born 1980), aristocrat.
 * Rear Admiral Sir Ronald Forrest (1923–2005), senior Royal Navy officer.
 * Andro Linklater (1944–2013), writer and historian.
 * Magnus Linklater (born 1942), journalist
 * Hugh Trevor-Roper (1914–2003), British historian.
 * Vice Admiral Sir George Vallings (1932–2007), senior Royal Navy officer.
 * George Baillie-Hamilton, 14th Earl of Haddington (born 1985)