Developing independence

Although for many modern parents boarding is not in fashion, we find increasingly that our parents are converted to the benefits a boarding education offers. Indeed, many boys who start out as day-boys quickly convert to boarding when they see the benefits of spending longer with their peers, and the numerous evening activities on offer.

Boarding has also moved a long way from how it was in the past. These days the boarding houses are warm, hospitable places; boys use mobile phones and the internet to communicate with their parents; there are numerous opportunities to go home and weekends are packed full of events.

Boarding has changed a great deal within just a couple of generations.

Experience shows that boarding helps the development of young boys: it can help develop a higher level of confidence, a community spirit, independence, greater social skills, a cultural awareness, respect for others and self motivation.

It offers boys a wide variety of interests, a more diverse social life, develops closer relationships with friends, an enhanced curriculum, and helps develop a good working relationship with teachers. As the boys get older they take on responsibility for managing some aspects of the boarding houses and this has the added benefit of teaching them to be leaders.

Whilst Merchiston is primarily a boarding school, many younger boys join as day-boys. As they move up the School, many opt to become full time boarders. We do recommend, wherever possible, that boys board - as we believe the School gets the best out of the boys if they are fully integrated into the boarding system. However, many boys are day-pupils throughout their time, and all day-boys are attached to a boarding house when they are at school and also for their prep.

To understand how the boys move through the School, see the interactive Merchiston Journey on this site which explains the progression.

At Merchiston we aim to be as flexible as possible to suit parents' work and social arrangements. The flexibility in our boarding arrangements appeals to a wide range of families, in particular when both parents are working, and can be tailored to their individual needs.

What the boys say

"Boarding has given me a greater sense of responsibility and independence. I feel I am now more organised and prepared for the challenges of university".

"Friendly homelike atmosphere in boarding houses. Being there for others and having someone there for you, a constant social life, you don't miss out on anything with friends".

"Rapport with teachers is better. Everyone knows you and you know everyone".

"Lots of different activities to have a go at. There is always something happening and it's a great community feeling".