Why Merchiston?

Overview of the School's academic results

At Merchiston our key goal, as part of a balanced and rounded education, is to ensure our boys perform well in the examinations they sit.

Our results show both the consistency and excellence of an education at Merchiston, which places us annually at the top of the league tables of Scottish schools. In 2011 we achieved the best results at A level of any Scottish School.

Please click here to view our Academic Results Booklet for 2011.

GCSE and A level results 2006-2011

GCSE
2007
2008
2009
2010
 2011
Pass (A*-C)
98
97
98
97
98
A* Grades
24
22
29
30
28
A Grades
33
34
39
28
32
A*, A & B Grades
84
81
90
84
89

 

 

A level
2007
2008
2009
2010
 2011
Pass (A-E)
100
100
100
100
 100
A* Grades
-
-
-
21
 24
A Grades
47
42
49
36
 39
A(/A*) & B Grades
79
82
80
80
 84
A(/A*) - C Grades
93
95
94
95
 95

You may have heard that some schools' results are skewed by statistical quirks. In reviewing Merchiston's track record above, it is worth noting a few key facts.
  • Merchiston is a mixed-ability school. Entrance to the School is not 100% based on academic ability, and thus it is not a 'hot-house' for very bright boys.
  • Merchiston does not pre-select a small cohort to take the key GCSE and A level exams. Some schools do this, only selecting the most able students. This is not the case at Merchiston.
  • Merchiston is a boys only environment. Most schools are co-educational. Girls perform better in exams - UK statistics show this. Thus Merchiston starts at a disadvantage. However, as the results show, our boys hold their own and often excel.

If you would like to see the views of parents who have sent their sons to Merchiston, please review the Independent Endorsement page.