Merchiston Castle School
Merchiston Castle School is a girls boarding and day school in Edinburgh, Midlothian, educating pupils aged 5 - 18 and founded in 1833. Boarding fees are £16,902 - £16,902 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Girls boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 12 - 18
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Merchiston Castle
The story, ethos and character of Merchiston Castle.
- Setting
- Suburb
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Head
- Mr Huw Jones
Merchiston is one of the UK's leading independent boarding schools for boys, combining Scottish warmth with a globally focused English curriculum. Just 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and an hour's flight from London, Paris, or Amsterdam, the School offers exceptional academic and personal development opportunities within a safe, inspiring campus.
Boys thrive here - intellectually, physically, and personally - supported by outstanding teachers, dedicated Housemasters, and a -knit community that values independence, respect, and compassion. At Merchiston, education goes beyond the classroom: it's about adventure, friendship, and a lifelong love of learning in an environment where every boy can flourish.
Research strongly indicates that most boys have different learning styles and needs when compared to girls. Most boys develop mentally, physically, and emotionally at a different rate from girls. It is our experience that boys' interests, hobbies, and inclination to physical activity respond best to a male focused framework to learning.
We believe that boys who learn in such an environment tend to become more comfortable and confident, enabling them to develop a diverse range of interests and talents. The fact that boys in boys'schools academically out-perform boys in co-educational schools is reaffirmed by a glance at league tables.
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Academics at Merchiston Castle
What pupils study at Merchiston Castle — and where it takes them.
if that would suit him better. He will follow a curriculum based on the traditional liberal principles of breadth and choice. He will receive plenty of individual attention both inside and outside the classroom; he will be known and taught as an individual thanks to our small class sizes.
In his GCSE year and in the Sixth Form, he will be able to benefit from the tutorial , 'clinics' and revision classes arranged in addition to his timetabled lessons. It is important that your son also acquires ancillary skills, such as a basic understanding of ICT, a practical knowledge of foreign languages, and strong written and oral communication skills.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
Percentage going to first or second choice of university 92% Scotland ABERDEEN University of Aberdeen (6)ST ANDREWS University of St Andrews (2)STIRLING University of Stirling (1)GLASGOW University of Glasgow (6)EDINBURGH University of Edinburgh (7)Heriot-Watt University (7)Edinburgh Napier University (1) Rest of the UKNEWCASTLE Newcastle University (8)Northumbria University (4)LANCASTER Lancaster University (3)LEEDS University of Leeds (1)LIVERPOOL University of Liverpool (1) SALFORD Futureworks: University forthe Creative Industries (1)MANCHESTER University of Manchester (1)Royal Northern College of Music (1) NOTTINGHAM University of Nottingham (1)LOUGHBOROUGH Loughborough University (1)NORWICH University of East Anglia (1)SWANSEA University of Swansea (1)READING University of Reading (2)LONDON University College London (UCL) (1)Queen Mary University of London (1)University of the Arts (1)University of East London (1)University of West London (1)KENT University of Kent (1)EXETER University of Exeter (4) International JAPAN (Keio University) THE NETHERLANDS ( Vr i j e Universiteit Amsterdam) USA (Santa Clara & Delaware)
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Merchiston Castle
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Merchiston Castle.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 0, Boys 4, Mixed 0
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
extends far beyond the accommodation. Merchiston's extensive facilities include: A sports complex with a heated indoor pool, sports hall, tennis courts, 2G all-weather pitch, and gym Music studios, drama and recital spaces, and dedicated art and design workshops Study areas and IT suites that encourage academic focus alongside a rich co-curricular programme +2 photos Pastoral care and staffing The benefits of modern boarding are well documented and son will be part of a warm, caring and busy community.
By definition of living in this community, your son will have a diverse social life and form strong bonds with his friends. Some of his friends will also be international, giving him the cultural awareness so critical in our global world. We welcome international families from over 29 countries.
A genuine home away from home
Boarding at Merchiston provides a safe, structured, and vibrant environment where boys can learn, grow, and form lifelong friendships. With over 65% of pupils boarding - including around 20% from overseas - Merchiston offers a truly global community within a distinctly Scottish setting.
The boarding experience is designed to meet the needs of boys at every stage, supported by a dedicated team of Houseparents, tutors, and staff who ensure exceptional pastoral care. Laidlaw 16-18 (Boys) Both Laidlaw North and South offer ensuite rooms.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Merchiston Castle admissions
How children join Merchiston Castle, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Special notes to agents about entry to the school We guide our agents through the Admissions procedure in detail. Any communication from an agent about a prospective pupil is responded to with a detailed explanation of the admissions procedure for that particular candidate.
We greatly appreciate the help of our agents with the administration and supervision of our entrance papers, and communicate the decision to both agent and parent through a detailed letter from the Headmaster. At Merchiston we firmly believe in working closely and effectively with our agents, and in maintaining friendly relationship with them.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Merchiston Castle fees & funding
What Merchiston Castle costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Merchiston Castle.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Merchiston Castle against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Merchiston Castle location & travel
Where Merchiston Castle is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address 294 Colinton Road, Colinton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH13 0PU, Scotland Airport transfer The school arranges transfers for students to and from the airport. Travel time to London by train Longer than 3 hours Telephone +44 (0)1313 122 200 Website www.
merchiston. co. uk Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Edinburgh 9 20 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Edinburgh Waverley 4 20 Local area & attractions Edinburgh, as capital city, has much to offer to pupils and to their parents as visitors.
Merchiston Castle — frequently asked questions
Where is Merchiston Castle?
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How many pupils study A-levels at Merchiston Castle?
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Does Merchiston Castle support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Merchiston Castle have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Merchiston Castle?
Does Merchiston Castle have Saturday lessons?
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Does Merchiston Castle accept international students?
How much does Merchiston Castle cost?
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Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Where exactly is Merchiston Castle?
Considering Merchiston Castle for your child?
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