Merchiston Castle

Building strong foundations from age 7

Many schools can boast about their exceptional academics, university successes, extensive sporting and co-curricular programmes, internationalists, specialist sporting academies, 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.

Our community’s well-being is central; without it no one will ever achieve their best. That is why well-being 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.

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 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.

‘Merchiston prides itself on preparing young men to f lourish in a complex and rapidly changing world where they will need to have excellent qualifications alongside belief in their skills, confidence, and independence.’

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster

‘Traditional and personal school – small enough for everyone to know everyone. Blessed with lovely grounds, with the bonus of having Edinburgh on the doorstep.’

Good Schools Guide, 2020

‘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. 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

‘We use the outdoors every day to help develop and extend our students’ skills and enhance our curriculum.’

Juliet Vaughan, Deputy Head (Academic), Merchiston Juniors