Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh

Number of pupils 440 Age range Seven-18 Boarding and day pupils, boys Qualifications GCSE, IGCSE, A Level

Merchiston Castle is the only boys’ independent boarding school in Edinburgh, offers the English curriculum, and has a global, outwardlooking dimension.

The school has an impressive record of helping boys excel beyond their predictions. The bespoke curriculum affords the school the opportunity to benefit from the English and Scottish systems by offering uniquely tailored combinations of qualifications, with outstanding outcomes for pupils across the board. Merchistonian boys have gained places at some of the leading UK, Ivy League and other outstanding international universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Merchiston prides itself on fostering the pursuit of excellence in a sport-forall environment. The school believes in teaching an understanding of the role of sport and physical activity in an active and healthy lifestyle.

Merchiston’s specialist academies are at the top of their game. Accolades include being number one Junior Golf School in the UK for the fifth year running, and number two World Tennis School 2017, according to ISGA and ISF.

“A relentless focus on the individual is something we take great pride in delivering, which allows the boys to hone their skills as they shape an educational experience that is truly their own,” says Jonathan Anderson, Merchiston’s headmaster.

Whether a boarder, or a day boy, learning and fun opportunities are not limited to school hours, and continue throughout the day, evening and weekend – on pitches, in classrooms, and in Merchiston’s houses.

“A balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A Level pass rate make Merchiston one of the UK’S leading independent schools,” says trhe website ukboardingschools.com.