Boarding is a positive and rewarding experience for our Juniors.
The School has about 100 acres of grounds on a single campus in Edinburgh.
A growing body of academic research demonstrates the advantages of a single-sex education.
The Pringle Centre, a modern teaching block for the Merchiston Juniors.
A boy's years in Pringle House creates strong friendships and a sense of belonging.
Boys get a chance to play for the School with up to three teams per year group.
"I like boarding at Pringle House, because I get to see my friends at weekends." Jamie.
A boy's natural enthusiasm and exhuberance must be given room for expression.
Music of all types flourishes throughout the School.
Boys can start at Merchiston from 8 years old both boarding and day.
Merchiston Juniors learn to sail.
Merchiston Juniors have access to all the facilities and teaching expertise of the Senior School.
Juniors enjoy plenty of fresh air.
Boys very quickly and happily settle into the life and routine of the School.
The start of a passion for learning.
Pringle House has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Boys can learn to play a range of musical instruments.
There is a sport for every boy at Merchiston.

Prospective Parents & Boys

Niamh Waldron

Good Schools Guide

Juniors Wordle

Welcome to Merchiston Juniors

Juniors video

Click the image above to play our Juniors video

Welcome to this section of the website, which will give an insight in to what Merchiston Juniors has to offer you.

I believe we are uniquely placed to give boys the ideal start to their education from 8 years old. We offer a different approach from other schools in that we smooth the progression from Junior to Senior education, which avoids the steep 'step-up' boys can experience when moving on from Primary education. We do this by introducing our Juniors to Senior School teachers and teaching methods from age 10, and during their two final years with us they are given all the resources and expertise of our Senior School. We 'graduate' the critical development period between 10 and 13, allowing our boys to move up to the Senior School with confidence and added experiences. It's the 'best of both worlds': the advantages of a vibrant Junior School, with the facilities of one of the UK's leading Senior Schools.

Some parents also find that starting their sons at Merchiston at 8,9 or 10 ensures that they avoid the stress and uncertainty around Common Entrance exams - or the decision making process around which senior school they will choose.

Boys at Merchiston Juniors can board or be day-boys. Safe and secluded Pringle House, where the boarders live and all boys are based, is a great way to introduce young boys to the concept of boarding, with taster weekends and step-up boarding options.

Merchiston Juniors also offers parents and boys fantastic added value; the facilities, and teaching excellence in science, ICT and technology is significantly enhanced compared to most other junior schools, and the boys enjoy an exceptional range of co-curricular activities and sports.

We believe we have a very special Junior Department - which is perhaps something of a hidden gem. But the best way to find out more is to visit us. I'd be delighted to show you around and introduce you to our staff and some of the boys.

Niamh Waldron, Head of Merchiston Juniors