Boarding or Day?

Whilst Merchiston is primarily a boarding school, just over a quarter of senior school pupils attends as dayboys.

For boys who are considering boarding some of the benefits of boarding are detailed below:

Boarding can develop a higher level of confidence; community spirit; independence; social skills; cultural awareness; respect for others; self motivation; wide variety of interests; more diverse social life; closer relationships with friends; an enhanced curriculum and a good working relationship with teachers.

For the dayboys, the School provides many of the benefits of its boarding education whilst enabling them to return home each evening. The flexibility in our boarding arrangements clearly appeals to a wide range of families, and can be tailored to their individual needs.

Dayboys are encouraged to take part in all aspects of School life, but at the same time we do aim to be as flexible as possible in arrangements for day pupils (School commitments and satisfactory academic progress permitting). Equally, we are very happy for day pupils to stay overnight occasionally.

In the lower part of the senior school, boarders have their own 'cubicle-like' areas within partitioned dormitories, whilst the more senior pupils enjoy study bedrooms. Many activities are arranged for boarders at weekends and in evenings, and the nature of the house system lends itself especially well to suiting these activities to particular age groups.

Length of day

The school day starts at 8.30 a.m. each morning, and ends after prep each evening, which is usually at some time between 8 and 9 p.m. depending on age. Saturday lessons are normally between 8.30 a.m. and 12.35 p.m