Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh

General information

Think about a world in which boys can be boys, but where in time, they will grow to become ambitious, aspirational, and sensitive, yet gentle-men! Think about a wonderfully caring and nurturing family environment, where they will learn to like learning more. Then, think about igniting their interest in such diverse things as … cooking … cricket … and Chemistry!

Merchiston is a school of contrasts: located just five minutes from a village; in a parkland setting, but with views towards and easy access into the wonderful, cosmopolitan capital city that is Edinburgh. Nearly everything boys could imagine by way of co-curricular activity is here on campus, but the School is only a short drive from the nearest beach, ski-slope, sailing school or golf course.

Academic success: Examination results have placed Merchiston at the top of the A Level
league tables of Scottish schools for the last three years, and the School was presented with
the award for Top Scottish Boys School for A Levels 2016 by www.Best-Schools.co.uk. Merchiston’s
Academic Leadership Team is building close links with admissions departments in leading
American universities to ensure the success of applications to the USA. The 2016 A Level results were again outstanding, with many pupils successfully combating stiffer marking standards and tougher exams. Merchiston is Scotland's leading A* - B grade A Level School, 2016.

A value added education: Merchiston encourages self-reliance and independence, as well as respect for and tolerance of others. The School has effective approaches to develop each boy’s personal achievement and boasts an impressive record of helping boys excel far beyond their expected results at GCSE/IGCSE and A Level.

Home away from home: We provide a stimulating, challenging, yet supportive and
encouraging environment where your son can grow up surrounded by his friends within our
unique House structure. There is never a dull moment as we provide a full boarding programme seven days a week.

There is a sport for every boy at Merchiston: Merchiston’s sporting programme plays an extremely important role in School life, and the team of staff works hard to achieve excellence
within a ‘sport for all’ philosophy, offering training and competition in up to 20 sports.
Merchiston’s two specialist academies in golf and tennis combine a bespoke academic
education with world-class training for aspiring tennis players and golfers. The Tennis Academy is currently ranked number 2 World Tennis School, ISF 2017, and is ranked number 2 in the UK in the LTA Team Tennis Schools rankings. Due to the Golf Academy’s recent success, it represented Scotland at this year’s ISGA Home Internationals in Wales, coming second to England. Merchiston is also Top Scottish
School in the National Junior League, and can claim the title Joint National (ISGA) Junior League Champions.

Links with girls’ schools: Merchiston also benefits from its strong links with girls’ schools for drama and musical performances, other cultural events and social gatherings.

Plans for the future: The School has, over the past 40 years, built new teaching facilities and
boarding accommodation to support its pupils’ high academic aspirations. Merchiston is now
turning its attention to upgrading its sporting facilities for “it’s time for sport”: plans have been
drawn up to construct a new sports complex consisting of two multi-use sports halls, 2G Astro-Turf, a large
fitness suite, dedicated classrooms and meeting spaces, and a 6-lane 25 metre swimming pool.