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Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Merchiston Castle School is the only boys' independent boarding school in Scotland, set on 100 acres of parkland in Edinburgh. Founded in 1833 by Charles Chalmers, the school serves boys aged 7 to 18 across Junior, Middle, and Sixth Form divisions. The school follows the English curriculum with GCSEs and A Levels, achieving a 100% A Level pass rate. Merchiston is ranked No. 1 in the UK for both tennis and golf at school level. The school is intentionally small, ensuring every pupil is known and supported individually. It holds memberships of HMC, ISC, SCIS, BSA, and UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award. Saturday electives expand learning beyond the standard timetable. Graduates have gone on to Ivy League schools and top UK universities.
Merchiston Castle School has 400 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
Merchiston Castle School sits on 100 acres of parkland on Colinton Road in south-west Edinburgh. The campus is well connected to Edinburgh city centre, about 3 miles away. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car. The city has direct rail links to London and other major UK cities, making it accessible for domestic and international families.
Stages
The school has four divisions: The Forest (ages 3-11, co-educational), Juniors (ages 11-13), Middle Years (ages 13-16 for GCSEs), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18 for A Levels). Only the Forest section is co-educational; the main school from age 7 is for boys only.
Type
Merchiston is an independent boys' boarding and day school, the only one of its kind in Scotland. The school is intentionally small, prioritising individual attention. It operates as a charity (SC016580).
Additional learning support
Support for learning is available through a dedicated department. English as an Additional Language support is offered at GBP 12 per lesson for international students who need it.
School day structure
The school week includes Saturday electives, extending learning opportunities beyond the standard Monday-to-Friday timetable. The day includes lessons, sports, and co-curricular activities.
Fees
Annual tuition at Merchiston Castle School ranges from GBP 18,000 to GBP 50,706 for 2026/27.
Termly Tuition Fees (2025-26)
Senior School (IV Form and above) - Day: GBP 8,000 per term - Day PLUS (8am-9pm): GBP 12,258 per term - Flexi-Boarding (2 consecutive nights): GBP 13,993 per term - Full Boarding: GBP 16,902 per term
Junior School (J5 to III Form) - Day PLUS: GBP 6,000 per term - Flexi-Boarding (III Form only): GBP 7,735 per term
Sixth Form Direct Entry - 5% surcharge on annual boarding or day fees
Other Costs - Occasional Boarding: GBP 90 per night - EAL tuition: GBP 12 per lesson
Sibling Discounts - 5% for the second child, 20% for the third, 40% for the fourth - 10% discount for serving military families
What's Included Fees cover tuition, meals and snacks, travel for school matches, and careers counselling. Boarders' fees include 24-hour supervision and laundry.
Payment Three terms per year, fees due on the first day of term. Monthly payment plans available through School Fee Plan (UK residents only).
Academics
Merchiston Castle School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 7 to 18.
Curriculum
The school follows the English curriculum. Students take GCSEs in the Middle Years (ages 13-16) and A Levels in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18). Saturday electives provide additional learning opportunities beyond the main timetable, allowing students to explore subjects and interests in greater depth.
Student Teacher Ratio
The school describes itself as intentionally small, ensuring every pupil is known, supported, and challenged individually. Specific class sizes were not published.
Exam Results
The school reports a 100% A Level pass rate. Specific grade breakdowns and GCSE results are published annually but were not detailed on the website at the time of review.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to top universities in the UK and internationally, including Ivy League schools in the United States. The school provides careers counselling as part of its provision, included in the fees.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school's intentionally small size means every pupil is known and supported individually. Pastoral care is central to the school's approach, with staff building close relationships with students.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A dedicated support for learning department works with students who have identified learning needs. The school can accommodate some special educational requirements within its mainstream provision.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is available for international students who need help with English language development. Individual lessons are offered at GBP 12 per session. The school has experience supporting students from various language backgrounds.
Admissions
Admissions
1. 2. Entry points include the Junior School (age 7/11), Middle Years (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16). A 5% surcharge applies for Sixth Form direct entry. 3. The school assesses candidates based on academic ability and potential. 4. Scholarships and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying families. 5. International admissions are welcomed, with EAL support available for non-native English speakers.
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial assistance are available. A 10% discount is offered for serving military families. Sibling discounts apply: 5% for the second child, 20% for the third, and 40% for the fourth child.
FAQs
Is Merchiston a boys-only school?
Yes, Merchiston is a boys' school from age 7 to 18. It is the only boys' independent boarding school in Scotland. The Forest section (ages 3-11) is co-educational.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The school follows the English curriculum with GCSEs in the Middle Years and A Levels in the Sixth Form. Saturday electives provide additional breadth.
How much are the fees?
Termly fees range from GBP 6,000 (Junior Day PLUS) to GBP 16,902 (Senior Full Boarding). Sibling discounts of 5-40% apply, and military families receive a 10% discount.
What boarding options are available?
Options include full boarding, flexi-boarding (2 consecutive nights), Day PLUS (8am-9pm), and occasional boarding at GBP 90 per night. Boarders receive 24-hour supervision and meals.
What sports is the school known for?
Merchiston is ranked No. 1 in the UK for both tennis and golf. The school has Tennis and Golf Academies with performance and development squads available as add-ons.
What are the A Level results like?
The school reports a 100% A Level pass rate. Graduates go on to top UK universities and Ivy League schools.
Is EAL support available?
Yes, English as an Additional Language support is offered at GBP 12 per lesson for international students who need it.
Are there sibling discounts?
Yes, the second child receives a 5% discount, the third 20%, and the fourth 40%. Serving military families receive a 10% reduction.
How large is the school?
Merchiston describes itself as intentionally small, ensuring every pupil is known and supported individually. The campus covers 100 acres of parkland.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships and financial assistance are available for qualifying families. Contact the admissions team for details.
