Caring for the boys

Pastoral care, the School's duty to care for all boys whilst they are with us, is naturally a key concern for all parents and a vital priority for the School. One of our key goals is to ensure we are a safe and happy community, and this depends on everyone within the community feeling valued and supported.

At Merchiston all boys have a defined support structure in place to monitor and mentor their well-being and day-to-day happiness.

Every boy has a Housemaster, a Tutor and specific Prefects whose role is to safeguard their welfare when at the School, but often also to understand and help with any other issues. From J4 to Shell inclusive, there is a Housemother who also helps look after the boys.

Additionally, the Chaplaincy Team provides spiritual guidance and counselling; indeed, many parents find that the intuitive skills of Nick Blair and Alex Anderson are an additional valuable resource.

The Medical Centre, staffed by a well-qualified and dedicated team of registered nurses and doctors, provides excellent care at all times for the boys' health needs. The School also ensures there are qualified First Aiders in attendance at home rugby matches.

Implicit in the ethos of the School is the awareness that as boys enter and pass through puberty, many important and difficult issues will confront them. A Personal and Social Education programme appropriate to each year group is run within the curriculum. The programme is extensive and wide-ranging: teaching is through PSE classes and RS lessons, as well as through House seminars and co-curricular talks.

Every member of staff is concerned with the safety and well-being of each pupil in the School at all times.

The School has a legal requirement to ensure that all the pupils live in a safe environment. Follow the link for Child Protection information.

The School received excellent reports on its welfare standards by HMIE / Care Commission - the official Government inspections.

For more information on the benefits of boarding at Merchiston, please see Why boarding?.