We only do what's best for the boys

Boys and girls learn in different ways. They also mature at different rates, and boys often struggle academically versus girls of the same age. Despite a growing body of research which shows the advantages of single-sex education, it is far from the norm in today's world.

Merchiston is the only boys' independent boarding school in Scotland. We take pride in specialising in the education of boys and preparing them for the world, as we have for over 175 years. Our mantra is 'Boys first' because, in everything we do, we first ask ourselves the question "What's best for the boys?"

Our results show what we do works: we were the top Scottish school for A level results  in 2011, and have been amongst the top schools for GCSE and A level results in Scotland over the last ten years,consistently achieving a 100% pass rate. Over the last five years, over 85% of our boys gained entry to their University of first choice, and  more than 30 boys have been accepted to Oxford and Cambridge.

In 2009 we were awarded the accolade of Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year. "Exam success is almost incidental at this school, a by-product of everything else it does - which is, of course, how it should be. The result is happy and engaged boys with a sense of purpose and a belief that they can succeed in whatever they go on to do in life." Alastair McCall, Editor of the Sunday Times Parent Power, 2009.

We believe that sport is one of the main ways in which boys learn discipline, teamwork and self-control, and subsequently it is a central part of school life. We have a long history of excellence on the field, with many of our alumni having gone on to achieve at the highest level.

In the latest report by The Care Inspectorate, the School was rated 'Excellent' for the quality of care and support, and quality of environment.

The School is set within a 100 acre campus, and is but a few miles from the centre of the capital city, Edinburgh, allowing access to a vast range of cultural and sporting opportunities.

To open our interactive 'Why Merchiston?' guide click on the image below. This will give you essential information on many of Merchiston's unique features.