Edinburgh Academy, whose former pupils include broadcaster Nicky Campbell, has been branded a “a cesspit of sadism and paedophilia” by a group representing abuse victims.
Giles Moffatt, spokesman for the EA Survivors Group, which represents roughly 40 ex-pupils, was speaking prior to a series of hearings at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI).
The academy is under the spotlight as SCAI turns to a new phase, focusing on boarding schools this week.
Mr Moffatt said: “Let there be no doubt that the Edinburgh Academy was once a cesspit of sadism and paedophilia.
“Past headmasters and governors of the school have been oblivious, indifferent, and downright callous about what happened on their watch.
“Our little group of 40-odd is the tip of a very big iceberg, formed over 50 years and affecting thousands of boys and girls, which is why we are looking to this inquiry to look into the history without fear or favour.”
Fees for Edinburgh Academy range from £10,065 to £12,300 for the Junior School, and from £13,260 to £16,242 for the senior school, according to the Independent Schools Yearbook.
All members of the group suffered abuse between the years of 1960 and 2000, with Campbell, 61, speaking about his ordeal during his BBC Sounds podcast last year.
The EA Survivors Group was formed after Campbell’s shocking revelations.
Mr Moffatt added: “We feel for those who gave evidence at similar hearings before us.
“Many went in blind and had limited power against the institutions which let them down in the first place.
“We would like to thank Police Scotland and the Crown Office for the decisive action they are taking and thankfully arrests and extraditions are on the horizon.
“We also recognise that the Edinburgh Academy of today is a considerably better place than years gone by, and we have been encouraged by the response of the school’s current management.”
SCAI chairwoman Lady Smith said: “After we completed our evidential hearings in relation to the initial group of seven schools in our boarding schools case study, a significant number of applicants and other witnesses came forward to provide evidence of their experiences at the Edinburgh Academy.
“So many that I decided their evidence needed to be explored in another set of public hearings. I wanted those hearings to take place as soon as possible.”
The inquiry will hear from more than 30 witnesses in person, as well as receiving more than 20 witness statements.
In a previous statement Edinburgh Academy said: “We deeply regret what has happened in the past and would encourage anyone who has been the victim of abuse to contact Police Scotland.”
Express.co.uk has contacted the school for further comment.
The investigation of Edinburgh Academy follows similar inquiries into other Scottish independent schools including Fettes College and Loretto.
