With over 83,000 international students choosing to study in Scotland each year, the ‘land of the brave’ clearly has a lot to offer young learners setting out in their academic careers.
Research indicates around 40% of boarding school students in Scotland are from overseas, and it’s not hard to see why. Call us biased, but Scotland’s breathtaking landscape, vibrant culture and world-leading institutions certainly make it a truly remarkable place to live and learn.
Not 100% convinced? Read on to discover our top 10 reasons to study in Scotland…
Unrivalled education
Scotland ranks highly in global rankings for academic performance due to its outstanding education system that offers both depth and breadth of learning.
Placing an emphasis on cultivating successful learners, Scottish schools seek to instil students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue their academic and professional ambitions.
This is evident here at Merchiston, with 85% of students achieving grades between A*-C at A-level last year. Our highly tailored approach and commitment to academic excellence see boys excel in their exam results, and exceed their very own expectations.
A vibrant culture
Scotland boasts a rich and dynamic culture, steeped in history and drama. From the poetry of Robert Burns to the sweet sound of the bagpipes and impressive historical roots, Scotland offers a feast of cultural delights for any budding xenophile.
Our international students enjoy soaking up the culture by taking part in a ceilidh, attending one of the many annual literary and theatrical festivals, or sampling the national dish, haggis, neeps and tatties! And, with plenty of events and celebrations to take part in throughout the academic year, they’ll be feeling like a Scot in no time!
Stunning scenery
Us Scots are blessed with mesmerising landscapes and unrivalled natural scenery. Glorious mountains, serene lochs and leafy trails are abundant, providing ample opportunities for international students to spend time outside alongside their studies.
At Merchiston, our 100-acre woodland campus is the perfect setting for young people to learn, play and grow. The expansive grounds provide ample space for sports and socialising, and, with the Pentland Regional Hills just a stone’s throw away, students have plenty of countryside space to run and roam!
Equally, excellent travel connections afford boarding students access to the city centre and local shops on weekends, giving them the best of both worlds!
Higher Education
Attending a school in Scotland grants international pupils access to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions including St Andrews University, The University of Edinburgh, and Glasgow School of Art. Merchiston, for example, has strong relationships with many Russel Group and American Universities, allowing boys to pursue the next stage of their education to the highest level.
Studying in a Scottish school gives your child access to these distinguished institutions, with opportunities to visit and speak with alumni. The proximity to such academic powerhouses is inspiring for young people and motivates them to achieve their own academic ambitions.
Placing wellbeing at its core
Scotland is deemed one of the safest places to live in the UK, with studies repeatedly showing high levels of personal safety. For families with children overseas, this is hugely reassuring, giving them greater confidence in their child’s wellbeing.
Scottish schools prioritise the safety of their pupils both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring young people receive the support and protection they need under their care. Merchiston’s network of House Parents, teachers and pastoral staff are committed to protecting all children in our school, with a strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures. In this way, we have established a safe and secure environment where children feel comfortable and supported.
Well-connected
With five international airports and an extensive road and rail network, Scotland is incredibly well-connected, allowing young people the chance to travel with ease.
During the school holidays, international students can visit other parts of the UK, or even take a short-haul flight to Europe to see relatives. The vast travel links ensure families remain well connected during term time and ensure easy routes home for students travelling further afield.
A warm welcome!
We hate to brag, but Scottish people are rated as some of the most welcoming in the world, according to multiple polls.
When sending your child to a school in Scotland, you can be confident that they will be surrounded by some of the most friendly, good-hearted and generous people.
With your son’s best interests always in mind, we will endeavour to ensure he settles in easily, with the support of his fellow peers, House Parents and teachers.
Professional opportunities
When it comes to career paths and job opportunities, Scotland holds vast employment possibilities in a range of sectors.
Major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are hubs for tech startups and international businesses, setting the scene for careers in technology, engineering, healthcare and finance. Meanwhile, our diverse creative scene paves the way for a future in architecture, music and the arts.
Merchiston’s thriving STEM department provides a clear pathway for students interested in careers in science, technology, mathematics and engineering, while our pioneering Entrepreneurship BTEC is ideal for aspiring business leaders.
Whatever your son’s professional ambitions, we will equip him with the skills and opportunities to kickstart his career journey.
Sporting success
The birthplace of athletic legends such as Sir Chris Hoy, Andy Murray, and Eilish McColgan, Scotland is a hotbed for sporting talent and enjoys a strong sporting legacy.
Despite the often temperamental weather conditions, Scotland enjoys varied sporting activities, with rugby, golf, tennis, football and athletics often offered from a young age.
This is most definitely the case at Merchiston, where our eight rugby pitches, athletics arena and world-leading Tennis and Golf Academies afford boys the very best coaching and training facilities.
Take the success of Merchiston alumni and tennis star Jacob Fearnley, who is currently British no. 3 for singles! Jacob trained at our Tennis Academy in his early years and has since gone on to wow the tennis world with his counter-punching style and composed demeanour.
A hub for diversity
Scotland is home to people from many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. This is reflected in Merchiston’s own school community, where 25% are international pupils from over 25 different countries.
It is this diversity that makes Scotland such an interesting and inviting place to learn, promoting new perspectives, ideas and social richness.
With its high standard of education, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving culture, studying in Scotland offers young people a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will cherish forever.
Adventure and academic excellence await your child in Bonnie Scotland!