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United Kingdom, Edinburgh
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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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
Sports Academies (annual)
- Tennis Performance Squad: GBP 2,145
- Tennis Development Squad: GBP 1,035
- Golf Performance Squad: GBP 3,750
- Golf Development Squad: GBP 2,040
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).
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.
