The Merchiston House system

Merchiston has a unique and highly successful House system that allows boys to remain with their peer group as they progress through the School; day boys are fully integrated into this system. In this way, the year groups generally experience a new boarding house and Housemaster at the start of each Autumn Term. This horizontal arrangement means that boys have the best possible opportunity to make friends, and spend time with others with similar interests.
Merchiston's distinctive House system still stands the test of time. We believe its benefits include:

• Academic concerns relating to one complete year group can be overseen by one Housemaster, who fulfils the role of Head of Year.
• Disciplinary structures are perceived as fairer and more consistent because the same Housemaster handles them for all boys in a year group.
• The integration of new pupils can be more easily facilitated.
• School days can be regulated sensibly. All boys start/finish prep, games etc at the same time. The House is therefore run more efficiently.
• Social events are centrally organised to suit a particular age group.
• Bullying within the same House is potentially reduced compared to other House systems.
• On the rare occasion when a Housemaster and pupil do not always see eye-to-eye, the boy has the chance to start afresh the following year.

In the Upper Sixth year, boys who become prefects are allocated to each of the boarding houses to lead the younger pupils in the School. Prefects provide excellent role models for the younger boys and provide valuable support to the Housemasters and Tutors.

An overview of the progression through the Houses can be seen on the Merchiston Journey page, and the names of the Housemasters are on the contacts page.