Life at Merchiston follows a structured daily rhythm that balances academic learning, sport, co-curricular opportunities, wellbeing and time to recharge. While routines vary across year groups, each day is carefully designed to provide pupils with a broad, balanced and engaging school experience.
From time to time, daily schedules may be adjusted to accommodate special events and opportunities, such as sports fixtures, theatre visits, examinations, concerts, school productions or residential trips.
For boarding pupils, the day begins with breakfast before the wider school community arrives. Throughout the day, time is thoughtfully allocated for lessons, sport, activities, independent study and prep, ensuring pupils make the most of every aspect of school life.
Whether returning home at the end of the day or settling into boarding house life, pupils leave each day having been challenged, supported and fully engaged; ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.
The School operates each year according to the following term dates and calendar:
| AUTUMN TERM | LENT TERM | SUMMER TERM |
| Late August/early September to mid-December with a 10-day mid-term break in October. | Early January to mid/late March with a 1 week mid-term break in February. | Mid/late April to late June/early July with a mid-term break at the end of May/early June. |
2026/27 Academic Year (The Forest Nursery & Junior School)
| Autumn Term | Lent Term | Summer Term | |
| Term Starts | 31 August 2026 | 6 January 2027 | 20 April 2027 |
| Term Ends | 10 December 2026 | 26 March 2027 | 25 June 2027 |
| Mid Term Break | 9 – 25 October 2026 | 12 – 21 February 2027 | 28 May- 7 June 2027 |
2026 / 2027 Academic Year (Senior School)
| Autumn Term | Lent Term | Summer Term | |
| Term Starts | 27 August 2026 | 5 January 2027 | 18 April 2027 |
| Term Ends | 10 December 2026 | 26 March 2027 | 26 June 2027 |
| Mid Term Break | 9 – 25 October 2026 | 12 – 21 February 2027 | 21 – 30 May 2027 |
