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.

Sixth form pupils occupy study-bedrooms, either shared with another boy (Lower 6th) or individual (Upper 6th) Length of day

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