Merchiston School
Many schools can boast about their exceptional academic results, university success rates, extensive sporting and co-curricular programmes, welcoming atmospheres and stunning grounds and facilities. Indeed, we can do that as well. What makes us different, however, is a combination of things: our size, a genuine focus on the needs of the individual, and the fact that we really understand boys and how to get the very best out of them.
It is a potent trio. It is what enables us to know our boys really well and to understand what makes them tick. It is why we can support them in a way that is material and motivating to them. It is the reason your son will strive for personal excellence and want to be the best version of himself. It is the secret of their, and our, success.
Our mission is to provide a caring community for every boy, which treats him as an individual, unearths and tends his talents, encourages him to pursue excellence in all he does, and enables him to truly flourish.
‘The environment in which children learn is crucial to how they absorb and retain information. We’re lucky at Merchiston to have a range of diverse indoor and outdoor spaces that are equipped to help students foster creativity and encourage a new way of thinking,’ explains Niamh Waldron, Head of Merchiston Juniors.
Our community’s wellbeing is central; without it no one will ever achieve their best. That is why wellbeing underpins everything we do. Our boys thrive because they are known, understood, valued, and supported in everything they do. They are encouraged to make the most of their talents, and to look after one another in a safe, caring environment, to ensure that the school years are a happy time for all.
‘We have integrated, and regularly return to, the eight well-being indicators of safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included to help establish a common language surrounding well-being. These are intrinsic across both the academic and social curriculum we offer pupils, with our long and successful sport offering supporting positive mental well-being as much as physical fitness levels. This healthy-body, healthy-mind approach extends to carefully selecting raw, natural ingredients for meals and placing high-importance on educating students about the importance of good nutrition.’ Alan Johnston, Senior Deputy Head.
Merchiston is a remarkable school where boys make lifelong friends and community connections, whilst gaining a world-class, global, outward-looking education.
We would love to talk to you about your son and, more importantly, talk with him to work out what makes him tick, discuss where he wants to go next and make sure he has the toolkit to get there.
We know that choosing a school for your son is an important decision, which is why we treat every application individually. No two families are the same, so there is no typical process. We offer many opportunities for you and your son to visit us throughout the year so that you can decide what the best fit is for you as a family.
Our success proves that what we do works but don’t just take our word for it:
‘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
‘An average of 141 UCAS points (AAA being 144) bears testimony to high teaching standards.’ Tatler Schools Guide, 2019
Merchiston Juniors Winners of ‘Great City Prep.’ The Week Magazine,
‘In order to join WLSA, schools must pass exceptionally high requirements to become an associate. Such rigorous standards include obtaining remarkable academic results, demonstrating a holistic approach to student well-being, and championing respect and concern for different peoples and cultures. Based around Edinburgh, the historic and atmospheric capital city of Scotland, Merchiston is renowned for its success in guiding its pupils to try their hardest and to strive to achieve the highest levels possible in all areas – academic, cultural, sporting, leadership and simply living together as part of a community.’ World Leading Schools Association
Merchiston Castle School welcomes admissions applications from all over Scotland, the UK and overseas – for boarders and day pupils. Boys can apply to enter the school at any age between seven and 16.
CONTACT
Director of Admissions, Mrs Kay Wilson Tel: +44 (0) 131 312 2201 Email: admissions@merchiston.co.uk, www.merchiston.co.uk