In Episode 7, I chat with Emma Rattigan, Founder and Principal of the Edinburgh Montessori Art School (EMAS).

Emma's passion for, and deep knowledge of, the Montessori ethos of teaching and learning shines through from start to finish. I was completely gripped and could easily have kept recording for hours, though I did try my best to keep us on track for half an hour!

EMAS is the only school in Scotland to offer a complete Montessori education for ages 1–18, and we talk about how Emma grew from a nursery into a junior school, and now includes a senior school.

It may be a small school, with fewer than 100 pupils, but it has earned 'worldwide recognition as a hub of progressive educational excellence', and we explore what that really means in practice.

Emma also speaks passionately about the word 'Arts' in the school's name.

Also, set on a hillside in a semi-rural setting, the school is a place where animals are integral to everyday life, and she tells us exactly why.

We also touch on AI, and I ask the same questions I've put to other school heads, so I hope this makes for another enlightening listen and adds yet another Open Day to your list.

Their Open Day takes place on 3rd October 2026.

In the meantime, another great way to find out more is to follow Emma on the EMAS Instagram account, where she regularly shares informative videos.

You can find their Instagram account at: @montessoriartsschool

Visit Edinburgh Montessori Art School at: www.emaschool.co.uk

To get in touch with the podcast: schoolguidepod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburgh

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