Based in 100 acres of beautiful parkland, Merchiston is a Scottish school offering the English curriculum, and has a global, outward-looking dimension.
A strong advocate of single-sex education, Mr Hunter, Headmaster, states that when it comes to education, boys are different from girls. At his own school, Merchiston, he believes that by understanding what makes boys different, one is in a better position to help them achieve. The School’s goal is to help every boy reach his full potential and leave Merchiston prepared for his future. 
Merchiston delivers an extraordinary, value-added academic experience
Merchiston continues to be the most consistent performer amongst the Scottish Schools at A Level. We were very proud to be the top Independent A Level School in Scotland, 2014, awarded by www.best-schools.co.uk.
The 2015 A Level results were again outstanding, with many pupils successfully combating stiffer marking standards and tougher exams. The A Level results show a 100% pass rate and 40% of boys achieving A* and A grades.
We offer the following A Levels: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology, Economics, Electronics, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, Government and Politics, History, ICT, Latin, Mandarin, Mathematics, Music, PE, Physics, Religious Studies, and Spanish.
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. In 2015, 70% of boys achieved A* and A grades at GCSE and IGCSE.
Merchiston’s teachers endeavour to use their wide breadth of knowledge to help pupils in their final year secure their top choice university places. Normally, a third of our Oxbridge applicants succeed each year.
Maths, Further Maths, Science and Technology (including Electronics) are particular strengths, although Humanities and the Arts are also excellent.
Merchiston develops all-rounders, who, at one and the same time, have good academic platforms and who are also well rounded people
“A balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A Level pass rate make Merchiston one of the UK’s leading independent schools.” – www.ukboardingschools.com.
“Our insider says that pupils are ‘the sort of young men every mother wants her son to be’.” – Tatler Schools Guide, 2016.
“In every respect – academic, sporting and pastoral – the school has exceeded our expectations, and
continues to do so. In particular, the staff appear to have an almost magical ability to maximise the
potential of every boy, irrespective of his natural talents. But above all, it is the Merchiston “end product” that impresses us year after year; the young men who leave the school for university each year are polite, confident gentlemen, whom any parent would be proud to call their son.” – Current parent.
Merchiston is a School for each and every type of boy, including those who are keen on sport, but also those who are not games players
There is a long and successful tradition of sporting excellence and we pride ourselves on fostering the pursuit of excellence in a sport for all environment. There are over 20 sports and 30 co-curricular activities on offer for boys of all abilities, as well as specialist tennis and golf academies.
Tennis: First school to represent Scotland at the International Schools Tennis Finals, and ranked sixth, 2015; U18 Scottish Schools Tennis Championships – Winners, an impressive 6 out of 8 years; ranked number two in the UK in the LTA Tennis Schools Rankings; Tennis Scotland Special Award 2013.
Merchiston’s Golf Academy is the ISGA National Junior League Champions, 2015.
The School is currently represented nationally and internationally in many sports, such as athletics, cricket, golf, rugby and target shooting. We have also achieved Scottish honours in tennis, rugby, and clay pigeon shooting in the last three years.
Over 64 Merchistonians have played senior international rugby, and we have also produced 23 cricket internationalists. In rugby, Merchiston won the top league of the Scottish Schools Rugby Conference for the year 2015-16.
Music and Drama are major parts of life at Merchiston. These departments collaborate regularly and pupils of all ages have the chance to be involved, either performing on stage or working behind the scenes.
There is an orchestra and other instrumental groups, and a choir and choral society, as well as opportunities for individual instrumental lessons. The School’s Pipe Bands are at the forefront of School life.
Merchiston also benefits from its strong links with girls’ schools for drama and musical performances, other cultural events and social gatherings.
Merchiston is an extremely nurturing School with the highest standards of pastoral care
A full boarding programme, seven days a week.
Merchiston is about relationships and partnerships – between the boys and the staff, and between the School and the home of each pupil.
For more information visit: www.merchiston.co.uk
