Ages 
Scotland’s only boys’ boarding school, whose small size and small classes ensure boys receive a tailored education. Traditional but with a holistic approach so boys thrive wherever their talents lie. With its well-deserved reputation as a great rugby school, sport is a big deal here, but with an equally strong focus on academic commitment. Best of both worlds, with the city of Edinburgh on its doorstep and rural Scotland within easy reach.
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Overview & data
- Notes
- Boys aged from 7 to 18. Co-ed aged 3-7
- Pupil numbers
- 350 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 131 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Inter-denominational
- Fees
- Day: £21,600 - £36,774; Boarding: £36,288 - £50,706 pa
- Local authority
- The City of Edinburgh Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Jonathan Anderson
Since 2018, Jonathan Anderson, previously senior deputy head at Worksop College. Hailing from Northern Ireland, he has a geography degree from Queen’s Belfast and PGCE from Ulster University. Joined Christ’s Hospital as a geography teacher and was
Entrance
Entry into junior school by online assessment, plus interview. Senior school entry at 13+ from prep schools via CE or exams in maths, English and science, plus interview and school report. Automatic entry from the junior school (around 30 pupils per
- Open days
- September/October and March
Exit
A tiny percentage leave post GCSEs. Just over half of sixth form leavers to Russell Group. Scottish universities popular, eg Glasgow, Aberdeen and St Andrews, but Newcastle also popular. One to Oxbridge in 2024, and one medic; five overseas to
Latest results
In 2024, 48 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 33 per cent A*/A at A level (58 per cent A*-B). At National 5, 98 per cent A-C; at Higher, 76 per cent A-B; at Advanced Higher, 100 per cent A-B. In 2023, 52 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 28 per cent A*/A at A level (57 per
Teaching & learning
‘Whatever they are harnessing in terms of my son’s enthusiasm for learning, if you could bottle it you could make a fortune – they have generations of experience teaching boys and know what makes boys ticks,’ a parent told us. ‘Merchi’ boys are most
Learning support & SEN
As well as in-class learning support, the Harvey Hub is allocated at the centre of school for drop-in sessions or timetabled group lessons. Timetabled catch-up sessions are also available for any pupils who have tennis or golf academy commitments.
Arts & extracurricular
The best views of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills are from the music department and while we were told that the choir may not lift the roof off as in some other competitor schools, participation is high, with over half the boys playing an instrument
Sport
What Merchiston lacks in music credentials (in comparison to some of its local competitors, that is) it makes up for in sport. Make no mistake, ‘rugby is a religion here,’ we heard. Merchiston has produced 76 schoolboy internationalists since 1966,
Boarders
‘An all-boys boarding school works really well in the modern age – they remain extremely focused, are expertly channelled in the academics but also in the development of their characters on the field or elsewhere, and their heads are not turned in
Ethos & heritage
School was founded in 1828 by Charles Chalmers. Moved to Merchiston Castle, an early 15th-century tower, in 1833. In 1930 moved three miles down the road to the current greenfield site at Colinton, four miles from the centre of Edinburgh. Present day
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Every boy has a weekly catch-up with his tutor which helps pick up any concerns. ‘Wellbeing is incredibly important to us,’ says head – and an array of support is on hand through house meetings, pupil support leadership team, deputy head of
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review As a general rule mobile phones should not be visible or used during the School working day including activities, and prep without the express permission of a member of staff. We are a forward-thinking school and do not believe that abstinence and censorship alone is the answer to managing device use. One of our School values is ‘readying for life’, and this requires us to educate rather than simply legislate. Device time is limited, particularly for boarders according to their age & stage. Older pupils are allowed to have their phone at School, but can only be used in boarding houses outside of prep.
Pupils & parents
Parents strongly middle class, from those with great-great grandparents that were former pupils to first-time buyers and international families (currently 27 different nationalities). Lots from Edinburgh, others from further afield in Scotland and
Money matters
Academic scholarships at 13+ and sixth form – school’s own exams. All-rounder scholarships, music, sport, art and design. No money off fees – awarded for the honour alone. Parents may apply for means-tested assistance (up to 100 per cent of fees).
- Fee information
- Day: £21,600 - £36,774; Boarding: £36,288 - £50,706 pa
The last word
Scotland’s only boys’ boarding school, whose small size and small classes ensure boys receive a tailored education. Traditional but with a holistic approach so boys thrive wherever their talents lie. With its well-deserved reputation as a great rugby
