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Merchiston offers a number of prestigious awards each year to suitably qualified candidates, depending upon the year of entry to the School. Awards are competitive, and are made for the duration of a boy's career at Merchiston, subject to continued performance and good conduct.
The main categories of awards are: Academic, Music (including Piping), Sport, All-rounder, Art, Design & Technology.
Scholarships are granted to candidates who can demonstrate above average ability, and bestow honour on the successful candidates.
Scholarships no longer carry an automatic fee concession. However, where parental income is not sufficient to allow the pupil to attend Merchiston, parents may apply for means-tested assistance; see Help with fees. Pupils who live locally may also apply for the Community Scholarship (see 'Other' below).
The dates of these assessments are available here.
A Scholarship Application Form is available here.
Please click on the award types below for more information:
Merchiston offers academic scholarships on entry at ages 10-13+ and also at 16+ for entry into our Sixth Form. Our academic scholars gain excellent results in public examinations, and go on to take up places at some of the country's top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Each year, a small number of pupils also apply to US universities.
Merchiston offers a wealth of opportunities for academic achievement and co-curricular success, enabling each pupil to fulfil his potential in a number of areas. Success in the All-Rounder Scholarship assessments is based on above-average academic performance, and candidates are expected to demonstrate excellence in at least two specialist areas which should be drawn from Art & Design, Design & Technology, Drama, Music, Sport and Leadership. Candidates will undertake practical assessment in their chosen areas of skill and all candidates will take part in activities designed to bring out leadership and team participation qualities and potential. Merchiston expects its All-Rounder scholars to participate in, and contribute to, a number of areas of school life throughout their careers.
Candidates for a Music Scholarship or Piping Exhibition must attend a practical music examination and must satisfy the School's academic entrance requirements appropriate to their age on entry. Successful candidates will be expected to make a significant contribution to music and performance at Merchiston throughout their school careers. The standard of performance required on a main instrument is equivalent to approximately Grade 5 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, although age and potential will be taken into account. The Piping Exhibition is assessed on the bagpipes only, though candidates will be asked to perform more than one contrasting piece.
Candidates are expected to offer at least two sports for practical assessment, one of which must be drawn from the key sports of rugby, cricket and athletics. In addition, Sports Scholars must satisfy the School's academic entrance requirements appropriate to their age on entry. Potential Sports Scholars must demonstrate their fitness and ability, and discuss their current team participation and their aspirations with the Director of Sport. Award holders are expected to make a significant contribution to sport at Merchiston, and show commitment to training and participation.
This award is available for a strong Academic or All-Rounder candidate, who must be resident within the EH postcode area, and who would not otherwise be able to attend Merchiston. Means-tested funding of up to 75% of the fees may be granted (or more in exceptional circumstances).
Merchiston is able to consider international students for the honour of academic or other scholarships. Academic papers can be sent to a pupil's current school or other appropriate location and, if appropriate, practical assessment will also be required (eg Music, Art, Sport)
